Italy — Section 2

Roman army tactics

Initially copied Greek military tactics, like phalanxes.

Roman army improvements

Generals made smaller, more mobile divisions of troops.

Treatment of conquered citizens

Romans allowed conquered peoples to keep their own governments and some were granted Roman citizenship.

Coloniae

Permanent military settlements established by Rome.

Roman roads

Connected coloniae, allowed army to move quickly, and opened up trade between cities.

All roads lead to Rome

Phrase describing Rome’s road network connecting its territories.

Punic Wars timeframe

264 BC – 146 BC.

Punic Wars combatants

Rome vs Carthage.

Carthage location and ruler

Northern Africa, ruled by Hannibal; wealthiest city in the Mediterranean.

Cause of Punic Wars

Carthage tried to expand into Spain and Sicily around 300 BC.

Rome location

Italian Peninsula.

First Punic War timeline

264 BC.

First Punic War cause

Carthage threatened the Strait of Messina, a major trade route.

Roman response in first Punic War

Sent troops, war broke out, conquered Carthage colonies in Sicily.

Roman naval strategy in first Punic War

Built a fleet, hooked Carthage ships, climbed aboard, fought hand-to-hand.

First Punic War outcome

Roman victory.

Second Punic War timeline

221 BC – 202 BC.

Hannibal’s campaign

Conquered Roman city in Spain; marched troops over the Alps (half died).

Battle of Cannae (216 BC)

Carthage nearly destroyed the Roman army.

Scipio’s actions

Recruited new legionnaires; in 202 BC forced Hannibal back into Africa.

Second Punic War outcome

Carthage gave up Spanish lands, ships, and paid tribute; Roman victory.

Third Punic War timeline

146 BC, followed by 50 years of peace.

Third Punic War actions by Rome

Forced Carthage into war, burned the city, sold Carthaginians into slavery.

Third Punic War outcome

Total Roman control of the Mediterranean Sea.

Republic in crisis

Punic wars fought in the west, forces also fighting in east. 230-130BC Rome brings entire eastern Mediterranean area under its control

Land seizure

Romans took land from small farmers.

Latifundia

Large estates using slave labor.

Impact on small farmers

Became unemployed, moved to cities, became urban, landless poor.

Economic impact

Gap between rich and poor grew, raising threat of revolts.

Spartacus

Led a slave uprising; crushed by Romans, costing troops and resources.