1. The Punic Wars

2. Background Story
Rome was growing and trying to expand. So was the city-state of Carthage in North Africa.
Carthage has conquered 3 islands off the coast of Rome.
Rome has a great army.
Carthage has a great navy.

3. The Punic Wars

4. 1st Punic Wars Lasted for 23 years
Carthage had stronger force : wanted control of Sicily— right next to Rome.
Sicily asked Rome for help; BUT Rome had no navy
They trained thousands of sailors & built warships
Hamilcar was the leader and he took his oldest son – Hannibal.
Hamilcar got sick and died. His son took over.
Rome won the War!

6. 2nd Punic Wars
Hannibal crossed the Alps to attack Rome with elephants. Took 15 days and lost half his men
Fought for 16 years; gets within one mile of the city but Rome would not give up.
Meanwhile, Carthage was attacked and defeated and Rome won—
Agreement: had to pay Rome a tax and could not use military power.
Hannibal escaped for years
Killed himself with poison

8. 3rd Punic Wars
Rome declared war on Carthage 50 years later, because they were becoming strong.
“Carthage must be destroyed”
They attacked with a small army. Carthage defended themselves
But broke a peace treaty to not use any weapons
Rome plowed fields sprinkled salt so nothing would grow in Carthage.
4/5 people were killed. The rest, 50,000 became slaves.