Final answer:
Hasdrubal is humiliated and witnesses his wife's condemnation and death after seeking peace with the Roman victor, Scipio, reflecting gender perceptions and Roman values. The story illustrates the intersection of war, gender norms, and ancient historiography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fate of Hasdrubal, the Carthaginian commander, is a tragic one, showing the costs of war and the desperation that can lead to dramatic actions. After secretly presenting himself to the Roman General Scipio with an olive branch, a sign of seeking peace or surrender, Hasdrubal is humiliated in front of his troops and deserters. He witnesses his wife's bitter condemnation of his actions before she kills their children and herself, declaring that the gods of Carthage may take vengeance upon Hasdrubal, hoping that Scipio would be their instrument.
Within the broader historical context, the feminization of Hasdrubal and the emphasis on Scipio's Roman virtues, like the concept of bellum justum, could reflect the ancient Roman values and potentially the author's concerns about perceptions of Scipio's character, particularly his public display of emotion, which may contradict the expected Roman stoicism. Indeed, the complex interplay of gender, virtue, and war serves as a rich tapestry for discussions about the nature of historiography and the portrayal of figures from the past.