1. The First and Second Punic Wars
and the New Imperial System
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2. Background to the Wars
Sicily was strategically important for both Rome and Carthage
Good trade location (island)
Allowed control over most of Mediterranean commerce
Prosperous agriculture
First Punic War began 264 when the Romans and Carthaginians (Puni/ Poeni) first clashed

3. The First Punic War (264-241 BC)
1 of 3 between Rome and Carthage, which resulted in the destruction of Carthage
First war over Corsica and Sicily
Strategic islands for both Rome and Carthage
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4. The First Punic War (264-241 BC)
264 BC- Carthage intervenes with two Sicilian cities on the west coast: Messana, Syracuse
Were in a dispute
Established the Carthaginian presence in Sicily
Rome responded with an attack on Messana
Forced Carthage to withdraw from there

5. The First Punic War (264-241 BC)
260 BC- Roman fleet failed to gain total control of Sicily
Still managed to open way to Corsica

6. The First Punic War (264-241 BC)
256 BC- Rome established beachhead in Africa
Carthage prepared to surrender, Roman peace terms were too harsh
255 BC- Carthage attacked with new army
Focused around cavalry and elephants
Drove back Romans into the sea

7. The First Punic War (264-241 BC)
Battle for Sicily continued in 254
Largely stalemated until 241
200 Roman warships gave undisputed control of sea
Led to collapse of Punic stronghold in Sicily
c. 240 BC- Carthage surrendered
Ceded Sicily and the Lipari Islands to Rome
Agreed to pay indemnity