The Punic Wars

Before the Conflict Carthage was the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean Strong navy Controlled North Africa, South Spain, Sicily, Sardinia & Corsica Older civilization Rome was a growing power on the Italian peninsula Strong land forces Bigger population and food supply Newer civilization The two began to clash in 264 BC and fought for almost 120 years! At the end, Carthage was gone and Rome was a superpower

Before the Conflict

First Punic War Sparked by a small, local conflict in Sicily. Most of the fighting on or near the water. Roman navy and corvus was a key to Rome’s success. War lasted 20 years but Rome finally won. Peace treaty Carthage gives up Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica Carthage pays 3,200 talents of silver over 10 years (>$1 billion today) After the war, Carthage began to expand into Spain, led by Hamicar Barca, with his 9 year old son by his side.

Second Punic War Hannibal takes over from his father in Spain – has not forgotten his vow! Attacks Spanish city of Saguntum; Romans claim Carthage broke the treaty. Rome wants Hannibal’s head; Carthage refuses. Hannibal decides to attack Rome by land; his strategy is to get Rome’s allies to change sides. Great trek across the Alps (218 BC)…attacked by Gauls all the way.

Great Trek Across Europe

Crossing the Rhone River

Battles in Italy Major battles in Italy – Trebia, Trasimene, Cannae – Rome keeps getting ambushed. Changes in generals Publius Cornelius Scipio takes over (son of victor of First Punic War) Scipio adopts a bold, new strategy – take the war to Carthage Battle of Zama Carthage becomes a dependency of Rome; Hannibal goes into exile and kills himself War lasted 17 years

Third Punic War Rome declares war in 149 BC (50 years after end of 2nd Punic War) Rome puts increasing demands on Carthage: Totally disarm Give 300 children as hostages Demolish city and move it inland Three year siege of Carthage Eventually, Carthage was completely and utterly destroyed; 50,000 men, women and children sold into slavery! Ground sowed with salt so it can never grow crops again!