Transcript The Punic Wars

The Punic Wars
Carthage
Founded in the 8th century by the
Phonecians
Became in independent republic
By the 3rd century, its population was 3
times the size of Rome
Controlled Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica
Had settlements at Malaca and Gades in
Spain
Expansion was based on desire for
metals and other resources
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The First Punic War
(264-241)
 Messana (on Sicily) appealed first to Carthage,
then to Romans for assistance against Hiero, king
of Syracuse (264 BC)
 Conflict between Rome and Carthage
 Centered on Syracuse
 Hiero first allied with Carthage, but then switched to
Rome
 Romans created naval force (200 ships)
 Corvus - boarding device
 Romans were victorious in many land and naval
battles
 Carthage had to agree to peace terms in 241
 Had to abandon Sicily
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Aftermath
Mercenary revolts in Africa and in
Sardinia against Carthage
Rome came to aid in Africa, but
came to aid of Sardinians against
Carthage (238)
Annexed both Sardinia and Corsica
from Carthage
Second Punic War
(218-201)
Italy – Hannibal
Knew Rome had a weak cavalry
Enlisted superior cavalry (mainly Hispanics)
Invaded Italy across Alps with cavalry and 3
dozen elephants
Lost many elephants and siege engines to the
ice and cold
Defeated Romans in the field, but could not
get to Rome
Lack of reinforcements
Could not get support from Rome’s allies
Battle of Cannae (216)
87000 Roman and allied troops
56000 Carthage troops
Double envelope tactic
45000 Romans killed, many taken as
captives (Livy)
One of the greatest tactical feats in
military history
As a result, many Italian cities defected
from Rome
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Second Punic War (218-201)
 Hispania
 Hasdrubal, a younger brother of Hannibal, defended
the Carthaginian colonial cities
 Roman commander – Publius Cornelius Scipio –
defeated Hasdrubal in Hispania
 Hasdrubal brought troops into Italy to help his
brother (killed)
Battle of Zama (202)
After defeating Hispania, Scipio turned
to invade Carthage
In 203, Hannibal returned to Carthage
to face Scipio
Rome defeated Carthage in open battle
Peace – no real navy, no foreign
colonies, etc.
Scipio gets nickname Scipio Africanus
Rome retained domination over Sicily
Third Punic War (149-146)
 Cato the elder wanted to destroy Carthage
 “Furthermore, Carthage must be destroyed”
 Rome made escalating demands on Carthage
 City be destroyed and rebuilt further inland - refused
 3 year siege, eventually burned to the ground (146 BC)