1. WHI: SOL 6d
Punic Wars

2. Punic Wars Rome vs. Carthage (264–146 b.c. [b.c.e.])
Rome and Carthage were in competition for trade.
Hannibal invaded the Italian Peninsula.
Three wars resulted in Roman victory, the destruction of Carthage, and expanded trade and wealth for Rome.

4. 1st Punic War Carthage was south of Rome, in northern Africa
Settled by Phoenicians and North Africans
Conflict arose over competition for trade
Punicius means Phoenician in Latin
Rome defeated Carthage and won control of Sicily, Corsica, and Sardinia

5. 2nd Punic War
218 b.c. Hannibal led his troops, including war elephants, across the Pyrenees, through France, and over the Alps into Italy
Hannibal lost 1/3 of his army
Surprised the Romans (were expecting an attack from the south)
For 15 years, Hannibal moved across Italy, winning battle after battle (did not capture Rome)
Finally, Hannibal returned to defend his homeland and was defeated

9. 3rd Punic War
Rome wanted revenge for the destruction caused by Hannibal
Senator Cato ended every speech with “Carthage must be destroyed”
Rome completely destroyed Carthage
Survivors were killed or sold into slavery
Poured salt over the Earth so that nothing would grow there again
Rome took control of the Mediterranean

12. Why was Rome able to conquer Carthage and then go on to extend its influence across the entire Mediterranean basin and much of Western Europe?

13. Evolution of the Roman Empire and spread of Roman culture
Mediterranean basin (Africa, Asia, Europe, including the Hellenistic world of the Eastern Mediterranean)
Western Europe (Gaul, British Isles)
Following its victory over Carthage in the Punic Wars, Rome dominated the Mediterranean basin for 100 years. This led to the diffusion of Roman culture throughout the area.