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In a struggle for dominance over the Mediterranean, Rome and Carthage engage in three monumental Punic Wars, shaping world history. The First Punic War (264-241 BC) sees Rome gain naval supremacy over Sicily. Hamilcar Barca's son, Hannibal, rises to legendary status, wreaking havoc in Italy during the Second Punic War (218-202 BC), despite Rome's staggering losses. The final chapter, the Third Punic War (149-146 BC), ends with Rome's ruthless annihilation of Carthage, solidifying its power for centuries. Witness the rise and fall of empires in this epic tale of war and strategy.
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Why We Fight • Rome and Carthage both desire control of the Mediterranean • This world is not big enough for the both of them • Rome and Carthage will fight three epic wars that will alter the course of world history • The Punic Wars come from the Roman name for the Phoenicians (Punicus)
First Punic War: 264-241 BC • Rome and Carthage fight over control of Sicily • Rome wins and becomes the dominant naval power • A Carthaginian general named HamilcarBarca makes his son swear eternal hatred of Rome and vows to make them pay
Hannibal Barca • One of history’s greatest generals • Terror of the Roman Republic • Attempts to break the Roman Republic
Second Punic War, 218-202 BC • Hannibal shocks the world by crossing the Alps and invading Italy, bringing war elephants • Proceeds to systematically destroy all Roman opposition
Rome Fights Back (FAIL) • Battle of the Trebia: • Rome brings 42,000 soldiers…loses 32,000 • Battle of Lake Trasimene: • Rome brings 40,000 soldiers…loses 15,000 • Battle of Cannae: • Rome sends in 86,000 soldiers…loses over 70,000
Epic Fail • Rome lost over 150,000 soldiers in 20 months of fighting • 1/5 or 20% of the entire population over 17 years old • There was not a single person alive in Rome at the time who was not related to or knew someone killed in battle against Hannibal • Roman allies began to rise up in revolt • The only chance to slow Hannibal was the Fabian Strategy: hit and run – guerilla warfare
Taking the Fight to Them • In desperation, Rome turns to Cornelius Scipio with orders to invade Carthage • Hannibal is forced to withdraw from Italy and is defeated by Scipio, who earns the title Africanus
No Peace • Carthage was severely punished • Navy limited to 10 ships • Forced to pay massive tribute to Rome • Must ask for Roman permission to defend themselves • Cato the Elder ends every speech he gives in the Senate saying “And I think Carthage must be destroyed”
Third Punic War, 149-146 BC • Rome invades Carthage to finish the job • Scipio Africanus’ adopted son Scipio Aemilianus leads the final assault on Carthage • Rome allegedly ‘salts the earth’ so nothing would ever grow on Carthaginian soil ever again • Legend begins that a Scipio will never lose a battle in Africa • The mayor of Rome and the mayor of Carthage sign a peace treaty officially ending the war… • …in 1985
Master and Commander • Rome stands alone as masters of the Mediterranean • A position of world superpower they would hold for the next 600 years • Rome is now set on the path to glory…