The Punic Wars

How long did all the Punic Wars last?

264-146 BC

Where is Carthage located?

Northeast part of Africa

Who founded Carthage?

Phoenicians

Carthage was a commercial power and had many important markets in Sicily. What did each group fear due to this?

Carthage feared Rome would take the island whereas Rome feared the Carthage navy would control the Mediterranean

The battles were mostly fought at sea. What power did this help?

Carthage because they were great sailors.

Rome made many mistakes. List three.

1. Awful tactics: Used land tactics on sea
2. New generals every year (no consistency)
3. Rome lost over 600 ships over 20 years of war

Who won the first Punic War?

Rome (Carthage was more tired than beaten)

List the results from the war.

1. Carthage had to pay reparations to Rome
2. Carthage had to give up Sicily
3. Rome learned how to fight at sea (Ended up hiring Greek captains and invented the Corvus)
4. Rome learned how to fight on a grand scale

How long did the Second Punic Wars last?

(218-201 BC)

Who was Hamilcar Barca?

Hannibal's father

Name Hamilcar's achievements

1. Revived Carthage after the first Punic War
2. Conquered Spain

Hamilcar hated and wanted revenge on Rome, but what stopped him?

Death, however, he taught his son Hannibal

What was Hannibal's plan?

Attack Rome by land by crossing the Pyrenees, France (Gaul), and the Alps (He won almost every battle)

What was Rome's plan in the battle of Cannae?

Overwhelm the Carthaginian army with size

What did Carthage use that allowed them to win?

Tactical advantage/double envelopment

Where did Hannibal fight in the battle?

He fought in the middle of the army.

Name the results of the battle.

1. Worst defeat ever for Rome (50k-70k men killed)
2. Hannibal could have conquered Rome (Cannae is 260 miles away), but his men were too tired

What did Rome do after losing?

Regrouped and attacked Carthage causing Hannibal to rush home and defend his city

When was the battle of Zama?

October 19th, 202 BC

Who defeated Hannibal in the battle of Zama?

Scipio Africanus

Where was Zama in relation to Carthage?

Right outside its walls

Name the results of the war.

1. Carthage was forced to pay reparations again
2. Carthage gave up its navy
3. Rome was the number one power in the Mediterranean

When did the third Punic War take place from?

(146-143 BC)

Many historians say the third Punic War was essential, T or F?

False

Why did the Roman Senate want to destroy Carthage?

Carthage had economically recovered again and were a threat to Roman trade.

Who broke the treaty, and how?

Carthage broke the treaty by attacking Numidia, a Roman ally.

Who said "Carthago delenda est" and what does it mean?

Cato the Elder and Carthage must be destroyed

Who won the Third Punic War?

Rome (after three years)

What were the results of the war?

1. All Carthaginian soldiers sold to slavery
2. Rome burned Carthage to the ground and salted the earth so nothing could grow there

What was Hannibal known as in Rome?

He became like the Boogeyman