First Punic War

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Recommended: Development of the Roman empire

Introduction: In my readings thus far, I don’t think Rome ever faced as tough an opponent as Carthage. This may stem from the significant distance each empire was from the other. They lay almost 400 miles apart across the Mediterranean Sea. That part of the Mediterranean is known for hard sailing. Due to limited navigational tools, many vessels sailed along the coast line rather than across the open seas. This way the vessel could keep track of where they were. In the beginning, Rome was not a major naval player. Their strengths lay in ground forces. As a result, Carthage grew along the African coast, and Rome grew along the Italian coast. They met on the island of Sicily.
The origin of the First Punic War: According to Morey, the …show more content…

(History.com Staff, 2009)
The origin of the Second Punic War: Facing a hostile force to the North, Carthage turned to the West, and spread across North Africa, and into Spain. Meanwhile, the Romans moved to the East into the Adriatic and Aegean areas. While Carthage came out the weaker force, they used the time of peace to build their wealth and military. Eventually, Carthage and Rome bumped into each other again. This time in the lands between Spain and Italy. Then called Cisalpine; now called France. This time, Carthage had a secret weapon. They had a new general in Hannibal, and they had war elephants. Using their new army, Hannibal marched his forces up and over the Alps and onto the Italian peninsula. (Morey, 1901) To say that the Romans were surprised would be an understatement. Wherever Hannibal and his army went, they were victorious. To save their forces, Rome turned to a holding strategy. Avoiding direct conflict when possible. However, this plan was unpopular, and did nothing to drive out Hannibal. (Morey, …show more content…

Thereby leaving Italy. While in Africa, the Romans adopted a new tactic to deal with the elephants. Elephants won’t attack people if given a choice. So, whenever the Elephants charged, the Romans moved aside, and gave them room. By this means, Rome was able to neutralize Carthage’s advantages, and in the end, they leave Carthage a shell of its former glory. (History.com Staff, 2009)
The origin of the Third Punic War: In the ~50 years of peace, Rome made sure that Carthage didn’t regain her power and wealth. In the end, even that wasn’t enough for the war hawks. (History.com Staff, 2009) They used a technical violation of the peace treaty as an excuse to declare war again. Carthage held out for a while, but she couldn’t withstand the siege. After defeat, Cartage ceased to exist. Her citizens were sold into slavery. Thus ending any rivalry which still existed. (History.com Staff, 2009)
Conclusion:
Rome and Carthage faced off 3 times in the epic struggle to control the world of the Mediterranean Sea. The first 2 times, Carthage started with significant military advantages, but Rome wouldn’t buckle under. They adapted and overcame Carthage’s advantages, and emerged

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