Download Third Punic War

Third Punic War
The Third Punic War was a brief conflict. Some people even say that it wouldn’t qualify
as a war. Despite being completely burdened by all the requirements and restrictions
from the treaty that ended the Second Punic War, Carthage recovered economically.
Carthage was no longer an empire but was allowed to trade. As time went by, they
continued to trade more and more and were doing all right.
With the memories of the destruction of Hannibal fresh in their mind, Roman senators
were suspicious. As time went by, many Romans had investments close by Carthage
because that land was given to the Romans as part of the peace treaty. So Carthage
became a competitor for trade with the Romans. Romans also worried that with
Carthage flourishing, could they become dangerous and a threat again? To be totally
certain Carthage would never be a threat again the Romans knew they had to destroy
their enemies.
Carthage knew they stood no chance. They tried to make the Romans happy and offered
them 300 children from the wealthiest families in Carthage as hostages. Even after this
was done, Rome still declared war on Carthage in 149 B.C. The Romans sent 80,000
troops to surround the city of Carthage. Even though Carthage was weak, they were
able to withstand the Romans for 3 years. As time went many people inside the city
starved to death.
There were 50,000 people inside the city when the Romans finally broke through. All
people were sold into slavery. The city was burned for 17 straight days. All city walls
and building were totally destroyed. The Romans took all remaining territories of
Carthage. The Senate made a decree that no one would be allowed to live where the city
once stood. Some legends even say that the Romans sowed the city with salt. (Pour salt
on the earth). This would dry the earth and make it impossible to farm there. If you
cannot farm in an area, you cannot grow food to feed a population. This would ensure
there would never be another Cartage.