1. The Punic Wars

2. Before the Conflict
Carthage was the dominant power in the Western Mediterranean
Strong navy
Controlled North Africa, South Spain, Sicily, Sardinia & Corsica
Older civilization
Rome was a growing power on the Italian peninsula
Strong land forces
Bigger population and food supply
Newer civilization
The two began to clash in 264 BC and fought for almost 120 years!
At the end, Carthage was gone and Rome was a superpower

3. Before the Conflict

4. First Punic War Sparked by a small, local conflict in Sicily.
Most of the fighting on or near the water.
Roman navy and corvus was a key to Rome’s success.
War lasted 20 years but Rome finally won.
Peace treaty
Carthage gives up Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica
Carthage pays 3,200 talents of silver over 10 years (>$1 billion today)
After the war, Carthage began to expand into Spain, led by Hamicar Barca, with his 9 year old son by his side.

5. Second Punic War
Hannibal takes over from his father in Spain – has not forgotten his vow!
Attacks Spanish city of Saguntum; Romans claim Carthage broke the treaty.
Rome wants Hannibal’s head; Carthage refuses.
Hannibal decides to attack Rome by land; his strategy is to get Rome’s allies to change sides.
Great trek across the Alps (218 BC)…attacked by Gauls all the way.

6. Great Trek Across Europe

7. Crossing the Rhone River

8. Battles in Italy
Major battles in Italy – Trebia, Trasimene, Cannae – Rome keeps getting ambushed.
Changes in generals
Publius Cornelius Scipio takes over (son of victor of First Punic War)
Scipio adopts a bold, new strategy – take the war to Carthage
Battle of Zama
Carthage becomes a dependency of Rome; Hannibal goes into exile and kills himself
War lasted 17 years

9. Third Punic War
Rome declares war in 149 BC (50 years after end of 2nd Punic War)
Rome puts increasing demands on Carthage:
Totally disarm
Give 300 children as hostages
Demolish city and move it inland
Three year siege of Carthage
Eventually, Carthage was completely and utterly destroyed; ,000 men, women and children sold into slavery!
Ground sowed with salt so it can never grow crops again!