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The Punic Wars: Part 1
Romans Surrounded by Threats
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Although Rome was now a thriving city, it
was still vulnerable.
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Rome was surrounded by enemies in Italy,
including the Etruscans who wanted to
recapture the city and its wealth.
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Rome had amassed a HUGE army by
making its citizens join, but to be truly
safe they needed to capture all of Italy.
Roman Expansion and Allies
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Rome decides to attack and take over the other
locations in Italy, defeating the Etruscans completely.
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Rome allowed areas conquered to rule themselves, but
they must obey Roman laws, give soldiers to the Legions
and recognize Rome as their rulers.
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Rome was not alone in Italy. The Phoenician city of
Carthage nearby was building an empire in the
Mediterranean and had colonies nearby, some on the
island of Sicily.
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Rome and Carthage soon start disagreeing on who
controls Sicily.
Origins of the
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st
1
Punic war
Carthage owned part of Sicily, wanted all of it, to be close to
Rome…
“Small” dispute in Messana, last city closest to Rome.
One side of the city went to Rome for aid and the other went
to Carthage
Carthage was getting too close to Italy and Rome and felt like
it to defend itself.
1st
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Punic War (264 – 250BCE)
Majority of the war was fought at sea
Rome = great Army, not a good Navy
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Rome wins because of more/better trained
soldiers they could get onto ships via planks.
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Rome implemented consequences on Carthage:
◦ Give up Sicily and stay away from Italy.
◦ Had to have a Puppet Ruler, someone loyal to
Rome.
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Showed they were a power in the
Mediterranean and not to be challenged.
Origins of the
nd
2
Punic War
Peace Treaty with Rome proved difficult
 Rome was invading Corsica, expanding Roman
territory.
 General Hamilcar Barca
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◦ Fought in Sicily and conquered Spain for Carthage
◦ Despised Rome and wanted to have vengeance for
Carthage. HATED Rome!
 Hamilcar was getting to old for
battle, but had some ideas for
how to attack Rome.
 Trained his son in his ideas.
Hannibal
Barca
 Hamilcar’s son, raised in the military.
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Hannibal was quite young when he
became a leader of an army after his
father’s death.
Military Genius!
◦ Studied both Ancient and Modern
Tactics of war. Like Alexander 
Marched on Italy at the age of 25
Wanted to fight on Carthaginian
terms. Wanted to fight in Italy!
Did things Rome did not expect, was
EXTREMELY hard to fight against.
Totally crazy ways to fight.
2nd Punic War: Hannibal’s Strategy
Hannibal's idea: Don’t attack from Carthage, they would see us coming.
Instead, march from Spain and cross the Alps and take the backdoor
into Italy, take over smaller areas and weaken Rome as much as
possible and THEN attack the city. Attacking other areas of Italy = No
reinforcements to come help when Rome is attacked. SMART!
2nd Punic
Warin -toAlps
Hannibal’s
march
Italy was not easy
 Roman’s were not prepared for land
invasion, never thought someone would
clime the ALPS with ELEPHENTS! Crazy!
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As Hannibal progressed
out of Spain, Romans were
not “threatened”
But they couldn’t seem to
stop him either, they knew
he was coming.
Soon cut off supplies and
soldiers from Rome!
Rome couldn’t beat him, he
was just too smart!
New
Consul:
Scipio
Africanus
 Ran for Consul once other 2 consuls tossed

out.
Decided to attack Carthage so Hannibal
would have to go back home!

Carthage appealed for Hannibal to return
and help fight. (It worked!)
 Hannibal took 2 years to get back
to Carthage.
 Hannibal was able to raise more
troops in Italy, decides to go home
and help fight Romans at home 
 Rome attacks Carthage and wins
against Hannibal!
Results of 2nd Punic War/3rd Punic
War
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Turning point for Rome & Republic
After defeating Carthage, Rome gained control over
all its territory and the majority of the
Mediterranean.
Eventually, Carthage recovered economically
The Roman Senate felt threatened…
Rome marched on Carthage, 3rd Punic War.
3 years of fighting, Carthage city walls were breached
Rome was victorious, Carthaginians enslaved.
Destruction of Carthage – Salted the Land
No more Carthage! Rome now acting like an Empire.