Cato has established a reputation as a critic of many prominent Romans, especially Scipio Africanus Major, a Roman diplomat and general in the Second Punic War best known for defeating Hannibal of Carthage.

Scipio’s unorthodox career, popularity, and attraction to Greek culture of had opened him to attacks by Cato and other prominent conservatives, who now accuse Scipio and his brother Lucius of having received bribes from the late Seleucid king Antiochus III.

Scipio defies his accusers, reminds the Romans of their debt to him, and retires to his country house at Liternum in Campania.

However, Cato is successful in breaking the political influence of the brothers.