Punic Wars... 3rd times a charm

Intro

The Punic Wars was a war between Rome and Carthage.The war lasted from 264-146 B.C which consisted in three separate wars.The rise of Carthage put them in direct opposition of Rome.The first war  was fought for power and for control of Sicily and the western Mediterranean and lasted from 264-241 B.C. It resulted in a defeat for Carthage.

Second War

The Second Punic War began in 218 B.C. Carthage was lead by 29-year-old Carthaginian general Hannibal.  Hannibal was a brilliant military strategist who wanted to avenge Carthage’s earlier defeat. Hannibal was the only son of his farther (Hamilcar Barca) nine kids. A general in Carthage's army, he made Hannibal swear to always hate Rome and seek to destroy it. Hannibal gathered an army of 50,000 infantry, 9,000 cavalry, and 60 elephants to capture Rome. Instead of attacking Rome head to head the military genius went through the Alps. Even thought his loss half his men and elephants Hannibal plan started to work. Hannibal had his greatest victory at Canae, in 216 B.C. His army caused a lot of casualties.Romans regrouped and with the help of allies they prevented Hannibal from ruling Rome. 

Final War

In their finally war Romans found a military leader just as bold as Hannibal. A general names Scipio formulated a plan to attack Carthage. In 202 B.C. at Zama near Carthage, Rome finally defeated Hannibal. When Roman agents came for him he committed rather than submit to Rome. During the war 149-146 B.C. Rome laid siege to Carthage, the city was set fire and its 50,000 inhabitants were sold into slavery. The territory was made a Roman province.

Aftermath and Conclusion 

Rome victory in the Punic wars gave it dominance over the western Mediterranean. They later conquered the eastern half. By 70 B.C. Romes Mediterranean empire expanded from Spain to Anatolia.

I believe Rome was just too powerful for Carthage. Rome had the military genius and the allies to help them win. If it wasn't for Rome allies Hannibal could have controlled Rome and fulfilled his fathers promise.

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