Who is famous for declaring "Carthago delenda est"?

The phrase "Carthago delenda est," which translates to "Carthage must be destroyed," is famously attributed to Cato the Elder. He was a Roman senator and a staunch opponent of Carthage, famously advocating for its destruction during and after the Punic Wars. Cato often ended his speeches, regardless of the topic, with this phrase, underscoring his belief that Carthage posed a continuous threat to Rome. This relentless insistence played a significant role in shaping Roman policy towards Carthage, contributing to the eventual outcome of the Third Punic War and the city's destruction in 146 BCE.

The other figures listed, while prominent in Roman history, do not have a direct connection to this specific declaration. Scipio Africanus was a military leader instrumental in defeating Carthage but did not coin this phrase. Tiberius was a Roman Emperor, and Julius Caesar, while also a pivotal figure in Roman history, did not focus on Carthage in the same way Cato did. This makes the association of Cato with the phrase the most historically accurate choice.