The Punic Wars: Rome Becomes a World Power

Carthage Roman Republic Hannibal Crossing the Alps

CarthageCarthage was a powerful trading empire located in North Africa.The Carthaginians had conquered most of North Africa, Spain, and the islands of Corsica, Sardinia, and Sicily.By 264 B.C.E. Carthage was the richest most powerful trading city in the Western Mediterranean.

Carthage: A Naval Power

Carthage was one of the greatest naval powers of the ancient world.

The city of Carthage had the worlds most advanced seaport.

The Carthaginian Ships were the fastest and most powerful ships of their day.

The First Punic WarThe First Punic War was fought over control of the island of Sicily.The war began in 264 B.C.E.The Romans had never been a naval power, and needed to build a massive fleet.Luckily, the Romans captured a Carthaginian ship and copied their design.Soon Rome had the largest fleet in the Mediterranean.

The Second Punic WarAfter their defeat in the first Punic War, Carthage regrouped and poised for another attack.This time a young general named Hannibal would lead the Carthaginians into Rome herself.

Hannibal

Hannibal Crossing the AlpsHannibal lead his army through Spain and over the Alps into Italy.

Hannibal suffered heavy losses within the Mountains.

Eventually he was able to conquer and destroy much of Northern Italy before he was forced back to Carthage.

The Romans had made a bold maneuver to force Hannibal to leave the Italian Peninsula.

Scipio Battle of Zama A Roman general named Scipio had secretly taken the Roman army into North Africa and was ready to attack Carthage herself.

When Hannibal heard this he immediately lead his army back to Carthage.

There the two great generals faced off at the Battle of Zama.

Rome defeated Carthage and took control of its entire empire.

The Final Battle and the OutcomesThe Third Punic War was not much of a war. The Romans thought Carthage might be regaining power , so they returned to the city, burned it to the ground and salted the earth.After the Punic Wars, the Romans had clearly become to greatest power in the Western Mediterranean. The gained all the wealth and power of Carthage, and turned their attention next to Greece.

Questions

1. Why do you think that conquering Carthage helped to make Rome a world power? Page 17

2. What do you find most interesting about Hannibal and why? Page 17

3. Make a prediction about what Rome will do next, now that it has conquered Carthage? Pg 17

Why do you think that conquering Carthage helped to make Rome a world power?

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What do you find most interesting about Hannibal and why?

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Make a prediction about what Rome will do next, now that it has conquered Carthage?

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