Ancient Rome Punic Wars

Carthage Carthage controlled most of Mediterranean Also had greatest navy in region Gained wealth from plundering victims Carthage was a threat to Rome’s security

First Punic War Carthage controlled Sicily Sicilians revolt and Rome helps Ends in a stalemate howevever, – Carthage loses sea superiority to Rome – Carthage gives up Sicily and pays Rome for cost – Was it really a stalemate??

Hannibal and Second Punic War Carthage regroups and expands Spanish empire under Hannibal Rome tells Carthage not to cross Ebro River Hannibal crosses river, takes most of Northern Italy, beginning the Second Punic War (218) Roman leader Quintus Fabius Maximus avoids open war with Hannibal, still losses mount up Hannibal attacks at Cannae

End of 2 nd Punic War After Cannae Hannibal destroys Roman countryside, was this smart?? Decimates his supplies and wears down the army 211, they march to Rome and cannot win Scipio and Rome rebound taking Spain and Africa Hannibal had one final stand at Zama but lost

Results of 2 nd Punic War Carthage and all its beauty and wealth becomes a province of Rome Hannibal’s allies are attacked and brutally defeated Rome is the new “world” power

3 rd Punic War Rome conquers Greece Attempted Genocide of Carthaginians – Senate calls for extinction of Carthagians – When they refuse to leave they are slaughtered – Those not killed were sold as slaves – Harbor destroyed – Salt spread over farmlands to make them useless