Introduction to Ancient Rome

Two Big Boys on the Block

• Carthage – Former Phoenician City State

• Rome – Still small in size and influence

• Both Compete for trade in the Mediterranean.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Carthaginianempire.PNG

1st Punic War

• Began as a local conflict in Sicily, in which the Carthaginians and the Romans were drawn in

• Mostly fought at sea and northern Africa

• Rome wins, gains Sicily and large sum of money from Carthage.

• Rome becomes most powerful entity in the Central Mediterrean.

2nd Punic War

• Carthage began to claim more land in Iberia (Spain)

• Conflict over Saguntum – Seeks Roman help, Rome Ignore, Hannible Conquers.

• Invades Rome from the North

Invasion into Rome

2nd Punic War, Continued

• Hannibal moves entire Army, including War Elephants, through the Alps.

• Defeats larger Roman Army at Cannae.

• Ravages Italian peninsula for 15 years, but does not have the manpower to lay Siege.

• War ends when Rome sends army to attack Carthage, where the Hannibal and Carthaginian army are defeated at Zama.

3rd Punic War

• 50 years later, Carthage begins to expand again.

• Rome decides to end Carthage once and for all.

• Burn the city and salts the fields.

• The End…Sweeney