Punic Wars
A Catalyst to the Roman Empire
The Punic Wars had a great effect on Rome Empire. The Punic Wars were fought between Rome and Carthage . Since Rome took over most of Italy and Carthage controlled most of North Africa , it was soon that these two would come in contact with one another. These two empires came in contact during the third century BC. The First Punic War in 64 BC, Carthage lost in sea battles, which was highly unlikely because Carthage was known for their sea battles. In the Second Punic War, Rome won against all odds. This event defined historical experience for Rome. The Third Punic War was when Rome completely destroyed Carthage as a threat. The Second and First Punic War between 64 and 202 BC had a great influence in the rise of the Roman Empire. These two wars were historical for Rome .
The First Punic War was in 64 BC on an island of Sicily. The First Punic War began when the Sicilian Messana revolted against Carthage , and then Rome intervened which caused the first battle of the First Punic War. The battles were fought at sea, which supported Carthage because they were a first rate sea naval. Rome had terrible loses during the battles since they weren't experts at the sea. " Rome lost 600 ships in the course of 20 years." (Dorey and Dudly 24) The war ended without either side winning. However, Rome triumphed in 241 BC. Carthage and Rome signed a treaty, which stated that Carthage had to give up Sicily to Rome , and pay Rome all the costs of the war. Since Carthage was exhausted and half beaten, they begged for peace, and accepted harsh terms. However, Carthaginians were furious of this and decided to put Hamilcar, a first general, and send him to Spain to build up colonies and an army. In this Rome won easy income and a new province. Rome also learned how to make war at sea. All these advances helped Rome in the Second and Third Punic War.
The Second Punic War was fought between 218-202 BC....
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