Which branch of government in the Roman Republic was led by two consuls? In either case, the Carthaginians argued that relationships entered into after the signing of the treaty were not covered by it. [184], In the 216BC elections Gaius Varro and Lucius Paullus were elected as consuls; both were more aggressive-minded than Fabius. Hannibal set an ambush and in the battle of Lake Trasimene completely defeated the Roman army, killing 15,000 Romans, including Flaminius, and taking 15,000 prisoners. [249] Henceforth it was clear that Carthage was politically subordinate to Rome. However, Romulus and Remus fought over whom the gods favored. [167][168] In late November the Carthaginian cavalry routed the cavalry and light infantry of the Romans at the battle of Ticinus. The Punic Wars are also considered to include the four-year-long revolt against Carthage which started in 241 BC. Whenever Carthage petitioned Rome for redress, or permission to take military action, Rome backed its ally, Masinissa, and refused. It entered Gaul and took an inland route, to avoid the Roman allies to the south. [203] By early 215BC they were fielding at least 12 legions; by 214BC, 18; and by 213BC, 22. Significance of Punic Wars. [275] There is a tradition that Roman forces then sowed the city with salt, but this has been shown to have been a 19th-century invention. He gave himself the title after the Senate appointed him as ruler. First Punic War, also called First Carthaginian War, (264-241 bce) first of three wars between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian (Punic) empire that resulted in the destruction of Carthage. Hiero II, the tyrant of Syracuse for the previous forty-five years and a staunch Roman ally, died in that year and his successor Hieronymus was discontented with his situation. There were campaigns in Italy, Iberia (Spain), Sicily, North Africa, and more. Senators were worried that Caesar would try to become a king or emperor. The Romans retreated to their coastal stronghold north of the Ebro, from which the Carthaginians again failed to expel them. [65] Getting the oarsmen to row as a unit, let alone to execute more complex battle manoeuvres, required long and arduous training. As a result of these three wars, Carthage was destroyed, its people were sold into slavery, and Rome gained control of the western Mediterranean. [4][5] Polybius was an analytical historian and wherever possible interviewed participants, from both sides, in the events he wrote about. Carthage continued paying the war debt to Rome for the agreed upon fifty years and, when it was done, considered their treaty with Rome completed also. What I learned: The Second Punic War is arguably the most famous of the three. Scipio Africanus. By 214 BC the bulk of southern Italy had turned against Rome, although there were many exceptions. Carthage was, again, a defeated city but, retaining its trading ships and ten warships to protect them, was able to struggle on and begin to prosper. He was reinforcing the will to resist in the Carthaginian citizens; from this point there could be no possibility of negotiations. The Roman general Scipio Aemilianus (l. 185-129 BCE) besieged the city for three years and, when it fell, sacked it and burned it to the ground. The western Mediterranean during the Punic Wars, Learn about the rise and fall of the Carthaginian empire. [212], A large Carthaginian army led by Himilco was sent to relieve the city in 213BC. The added weight in the prow compromised both the ship's manoeuvrability and its seaworthiness, and in rough sea conditions the corvus became useless; part way through the First Punic War the Romans ceased using it. Shortly after this, the Roman general, Publius Cornelius Scipio (l. 236-183 BCE, later known as Scipio Africanus) was defeating the Carthaginian forces in Spain under Hannibal's brother, Hasdrubal Barca (l. c. 244-207 BCE). [179][180] The prisoners were badly treated if they were Romans, but released if they were from one of Rome's Latin allies. |Word|Example|Denotation|Connotation| 10,000 talents was approximately 269,000kg (265 long tons) of silver. [190] At least 67,500 Romans were killed or captured. [282][283] Rome still exists as the capital of Italy;[284] the ruins of Carthage lie 24 kilometres (15mi) east of Tunis on the North African coast.[285][286]. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. 1 In fact, the Carthaginian's activities in the Second Punic War made such a lasting impression on history that the conflict was branded 'Hannibal's War'. The two sides' infantry fought inconclusively until the Roman cavalry returned and attacked the Carthaginian rear. [274] There were 50,000 Carthaginian prisoners, a small proportion of the pre-war population, who were sold into slavery. Punic Wars: There was three wars called the Punic Wars were Rome Fought with the Carthage. ), These elephants were typically about 2.5m (8ft 2in) high at the shoulder and should not be confused with the larger. Related Content In the century prior to the Punic Wars, boarding had become increasingly common and ramming had declined, as the larger and heavier vessels adopted in this period increasingly lacked the speed and manoeuvrability necessary to ram effectively, while their sturdier construction reduced a ram's effect on them even in case of a successful attack. Accordingly they equipped a new army in which, by the advice of a Greek captain of mercenaries named Xanthippus, cavalry and elephants formed the strongest arm. Rome and Carthage fought in the Punic Wars. This ultimately led to the establishment of Roman Empire. Punic Wars, also known as Carthaginian Wars, occurred between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian (Punic) empire from 264 to 146 bce. The Romans forced them to leave Sicily, return all captured Romans, pay a huge amount of money, and keep their quinqueremes out of Roman waters. In the battle of Cannae the Roman legions forced their way through Hannibal's deliberately weak centre, but Libyan heavy infantry on the wings swung around their advance, menacing their flanks. [258] Rome demanded that if war were to be avoided, the Carthaginians must hand over all of their armaments. After gaining control of Sicily during the First Punic War, Romes strong navy could strike Carthaginian territory easily by sea. It took place from 218 BC to 201 BC. How did the expansion of the Roman Republic affect small farmers? The Greek historian Polybius, one of the main sources of information about the Punic Wars, was born around 200 B.C. - In the First Punic War, Rome gained control of Sicily. While Carthage was unhappy with this development, there was little they could do about it. |inhuman|"The pain became inhuman. 28 Feb 2023. [163] The Roman commanders captured Saguntum in 212BC and in 211BC hired 20,000 Celtiberian mercenaries to reinforce their army. The World History Encyclopedia logo is a registered trademark. How might you respond to it ? The Punic Wars were a series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage between 264 and 146 B.C.E. The origin of these conflicts is to be found in the position which Rome acquired, about 275 bce, as leader and protector of all Italy. It resulted in the destruction of Carthage. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. It is a debatable point whether his attack contravened the new treaty. Hannibal knew nothing of his brother's whereabouts until Hasdrubal's severed head was thrown into his camp. Sources. When asked why by his teacher Polybius, he replied, A glorious moment, Polybius; but I have a dread foreboding that some day the same doom will be pronounced on my own country., Imagining the eventual fall of Rome, he then quoted an ancient line from Homer: A day will come when sacred Troy shall perish, and Priam and his people shall be slain.. [182] Fabius introduced the Fabian strategy of avoiding open battle with his opponent, but constantly skirmishing with small detachments of the enemy. A Roman relief force broke through the siege, but was then ambushed and besieged itself. [30], Most male Roman citizens were eligible for military service and would serve as infantry, with a better-off minority providing a cavalry component. Many senior Carthaginians wanted to reject it, but Hannibal spoke strongly in its favour and it was accepted in spring 201BC. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. [45] Slingers were frequently recruited from the Balearic Islands. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms. Background. Carthage controlled the Mediterranean and Rome was expanding, bringing the two into conflict. [204] Hannibal repeatedly defeated Roman armies, in 209BC both consuls were killed in a cavalry skirmish. and ending in Roman victory with the destruction of Carthage in 146 B.C. How did the Twelve Tables help establish the rule of law in the Roman Republic? For 23 years, in the longest continuous conflict and greatest naval war of antiquity, the two powers struggled for supremacy.The war was fought primarily on the Mediterranean island of Sicily and its surrounding waters . [67] As a result, the Romans were initially at a disadvantage against the more experienced Carthaginians. [77][78] The focus of the war shifted to the sea, where the Romans had little experience; on the few occasions they had previously felt the need for a naval presence they had usually relied on small squadrons provided by their Latin or Greek allies. A fresh Roman army attacked the main Carthaginian stronghold on the island, Agrigentum, in 210BC and the city was betrayed to the Romans by a discontented Carthaginian officer. [171][172] Only 10,000 Romans out of 42,000 were able to cut their way to safety. Punic Wars, also called Carthaginian Wars, (264146 bce), a series of three wars between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian (Punic) empire, resulting in the destruction of Carthage, the enslavement of its population, and Roman hegemony over the western Mediterranean. The campaign ended in disaster for the Carthaginians and their army surrendered. The combined Roman force attacked Hasdrubal at the battle of the Metaurus and destroyed his army, killing Hasdrubal. |-|-|-|-| Under what condition were Roman women allowed to run businesses? They changed sides, sending forces to Hiero II. 2023 A&E Television Networks, LLC. A freelance writer and former part-time Professor of Philosophy at Marist College, New York, Joshua J. But while in those years Carthage did nothinga number of Roman citizens voluntarily presented to the state a fleet of 200 men-of-war, carrying 60,000 troops. By 212BC the full complement of the legions deployed would have been in excess of 100,000 men, plus, as always, a similar number of allied troops. As you read this section, make note of what the United States created and what it valued. Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter! https://www.worldhistory.org/Punic_Wars/. 1 / 29. Were the Punic Wars good or bad for Rome? [256][257] Elements in the Roman Senate had long wished to destroy Carthage and with the breach of the treaty as a casus belli, war was declared in 149BC. Rome and Carthage fought in the Punic Wars. [100] The Carthaginians attacked and recaptured Akragas in 255BC, but not believing they could hold the city they razed and abandoned it. They made it easier to move troops to conflict areas. Hannibal is called back to defend the homeland and he is defeated here at Zama. Three conflicts between these states took place on both land and sea across the western Mediterranean region and involved a total of forty-three years of warfare. The defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic War . Hannibal, leading the Barcid Empire, and allied to the Carthagians, crossed the Alps and invaded Italy in a series of highly successful battles. The siege of Carthage was the main engagement of the Third Punic War fought between Carthage and Rome.It consisted of the nearly-three-year siege of the Carthaginian capital, Carthage (a little north east of Tunis).In 149 BC, a large Roman army landed at Utica in North Africa. At the same time, the Carthaginians, who felt no less severely the financial strain of the prolonged struggle, reduced their forces and made no attempt to deliver a counterattack. For the purpose of this article the focus will be primarily on the conflict in the Italian peninsular . These roles would be reversed after the First Punic War and the Carthaginians progressively lost more power, wealth, and prestige in the later conflicts. Our main source for information about the Punic Wars is the . [163][225] Claudius Nero brought over reinforcements in 210BC and stabilised the situation. the Roman fleet was able to win a decisive victory against the Carthaginians at sea, breaking their legendary naval superiority. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. First, the amount of casualties in numerous wars, such as the Punic Wars in which 300,000 were estimated to have died, negatively impacted the number of Roman farmers. Hannibal, a sworn enemy of Rome, received intelligence that Roman armies were moving against him and, in a bold gamble, marched his forces over the Alps and into northern Italy. The Punic Wars took place in the years 264 B.C. The Carthaginians had already agreed to help and felt betrayed by the Mamertines' appeal to Rome. [216], In the spring of 207BC Hasdrubal Barca repeated the feat of his elder brother by marching an army of 35,000 men across the Alps and invading Italy. Polybius gives 140,000 personnel in the Roman fleet and 150,000 in the Carthaginian; these figures are broadly accepted by historians of the conflict. After this disastrous defeat, however, the Romans managed to rebound, and the Carthaginians lost their hold on Italy as Rome won victories in Spain and North Africa under the rising young general Scipio Africanus. The Mercenary War lasted from 241-237 BCE and, while Carthage was engaged in this conflict, Rome occupied the Carthaginian colonies of Sardinia and Corsica. In 211BC Rome contained this threat by allying with the Aetolian League, a coalition of Greek city states which was already at war against Macedonia. ), or Marcus Antonius, was an ally of Julius Caesar and the main rival of his successor Octavian (later Augustus). Though Carthage had clashed violently with several other powers in the region, notably Greece, its relations with Rome were historically friendly, and the cities had signed several treaties defining trading rights over the years. Both allowed for the easier movement of troops. Corrections? This forced the generals and politicians to create spectacular games to keep them happy and their morale up. [note 5] Many were from North Africa and these were frequently referred to as "Libyans". - The Punic Wars were the reason Rome . In most circumstances Carthage recruited foreigners to make up its army. [262][263] The Roman army moved to lay siege to Carthage, but its walls were so strong and its citizen-militia so determined it was unable to make any impact, while the Carthaginians struck back effectively. As a result, the Roman infantry was surrounded with no means of escape. Do native English speakers have accents in other languages? The Romans took the Punic Wars to be a purely military affair and used the military as the primary tool of warfare. His work was continued by his son-in-law Hasdrubal and his son Hannibal, who was placed at the head of the army in 221. The First Punic War was the closest match, for numerous reasons, b. Operations began with a joint attack upon Messana, which the Romans easily repelled. [85] In 258BC a Roman fleet defeated a smaller Carthaginian fleet at the battle of Sulci off the western coast of Sardinia. Over the course of nearly 20 years, Rome rebuilt its entire fleet in order to confront Carthages powerful navy, scoring its first sea victory at Mylae in 260 B.C. This was not popular with parts of the Roman army, public and senate, since he avoided battle while Italy was being devastated by the enemy. This victory had significant repercussions on Roman politics and society. Fabius refused to engage Hannibal directly relying, instead, on cutting off his supplies and starving his army. Hannibals daring elephantine invasion of Rome reached its height at the Battle of Cannae in 216 B.C., where he used his superior cavalry to surround a Roman army twice the size of his own and inflict massive casualties. The general population of the Roman society increased, causing lots of "poor plebs" to be present. The Romans objected to this attack and demanded that Carthage deliver Hannibal to Rome. He sought to compensate for the loss of Sicily by acquiring a dominion in Spain where Carthage might gain new wealth and form a fresh base of operations against Rome. The majority of Rome's allies in central Italy remained loyal. Tradition holds that Phoenician settlers from the Mediterranean port of Tyre (in what is now Lebanon) founded the city-state of Carthage on the northern coast of Africa, just north of modern-day Tunis, around 814 B.C. Updates? The Carthaginians accordingly opened negotiations and consented to a peace by which they ceded Sicily and the Lipari (Eolie) Islands to Rome and paid an indemnity of 3,200 talents. [43] In addition both Iberia and Gaul provided many experienced infantry and cavalry. What did the Romans believe about the role of the gods in society? Dahia Ibo Shabaka, Larry S. Krieger, Linda Black, Phillip C. Naylor, Roger B. Beck, Deborah Gray White, Edward L. Ayers, Jess F. de la Teja, Robert D. Schulzinger. read more, Beginning in the eighth century B.C., Ancient Rome grew from a small town on central Italys Tiber River into an empire that at its peak encompassed most of continental Europe, Britain, much of western Asia, northern Africa and the Mediterranean islands. The loss of naval supremacy not only deprived the Carthaginians of their predominance in the western Mediterranean but exposed their overseas empire to disintegration under renewed attacks by Rome. Among the many legacies read more, In 219 B.C., Hannibal of Carthage led an attack on Saguntum, an independent city allied with Rome, which sparked the outbreak of the Second Punic War. The Second Punic War occurred between 218-201 BC. What shows that religion was important in the lives of Roman families? After an initial Carthaginian victory, Fabius Maximus Cunctator harassed Hannibal wherever he went without offering battle. 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