Transcript 1/8-Punic Wars

Rome on the March: The Punic Wars
Punic Wars and the Fall of
Carthage






Rome was not alone in Italy, there was another growing power
nearby. The city-state of Carthage and its growing Empire.
Rome fought a series of three wars with Carthage.
The First one was over control of Sicily, near Rome and Rome won
that with by boarding Carthage’s ships with planks and taking them
over. Mostly fought at sea, Rome used its Army on boats.
The Second was fought in both Rome and Carthage. A general for
Carthage named Hannibal crossed the Alps (on Elephants!) and
attacked Rome. To get Hannibal to go home, Rome attack and
eventually defeats Carthage.
The last Punic War was not so much a war but a slaughter. Carthage
starts to get stronger and Rome destroys the city and enslaves all the
people. They salt the ground when they leave.
Why do you think that this was important to Rome’s development?
Origins of the

st
1
Punic war
Carthage was getting too close to Italy and Rome and felt like
it to defend itself.
Origins of the



nd
2
Punic War
Carthage Lost and the Peace Treaty with Rome proved
difficult to keep.
Rome was invading Corsica, expanding Roman territory.
General Hamilcar Barca
◦ Fought in Sicily and conquered Spain for Carthage
◦ Despised Rome and wanted to have vengeance for
Carthage. HATED Rome!
Hamilcar was getting to old for
battle, but had some ideas for
how to attack Rome.
 Trained his son in his ideas.

Hannibal
Barca
 Hamilcar’s son, raised in the military.





Hannibal was quite young when he
became a leader of an army after his
father’s death.
Military Genius!
◦ Studied both Ancient and Modern
Tactics of war. Like Alexander 
Marched on Italy at the age of 25
Wanted to fight on Carthaginian
terms. Wanted to fight in Italy!
Did things Rome did not expect, was
EXTREMELY hard to fight against.
Totally crazy ways to fight.
2nd Punic War: Hannibal’s Strategy
Hannibal's idea: Don’t attack from Carthage, they would see us coming.
Instead, march from Spain and cross the Alps and take the backdoor
into Italy, take over smaller areas and weaken Rome as much as
possible and THEN attack the city. Attacking other areas of Italy = No
reinforcements to come help when Rome is attacked. SMART!
New Consul: Scipio



Ran for Consul once other 2 consuls tossed
out. Became a general for the Roman Legions
Decided to attack Carthage so Hannibal
would have to go back home!
Carthage appealed for Hannibal to return
and help fight. (It worked!)
 Hannibal decides to go home and
help fight Romans at home 
 Rome attacks Carthage and wins
against Hannibal!