L3H • Roman History Part I — Ch.7 The Punic Wars

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The Punic Wars: 264-246 BCE

The Wars That Changed the World: An Introduction
The First Punic War
The Second Punic War
The Third Punic War
Conclusion
Bibliography

Summary

The Punic Wars were the first war in human history. I believe, after researching the events involved in The Punic Wars, that the Punic Wars were a huge turning point in history. The world would be a completely different place without them. As a result of the Punic Wars, The Roman Republic grew; it expanded into provinces, into lands far away. Rome had the Mediterranean (“Notre Marem”), Hispania, the coast of northern Africa, western Asia, and parts of Greece. I find it interesting how the Punic Wars set up Rome for change economically, politically (eventually, the Republic fell and the Roman Empire emerged), and culturally. If the Macedon Wars had not occurred, Rome would never have taken areas of Greece; Rome would never have been exposed to notions revolving around Zeus, Athena, and Hades. Rome would never have adapted these ideas as there own.

I broke up my paper into three sections. My first section was about the First Punic War (264-241 BC), which took place mainly in Sicily. At the time, Carthage was the true power of the Mediterranean, while the Roman Republic was still in it’s growing stage, have just recently conquered all of the Italian peninsula. Sicily was the war zone, both on land and on sea. Eventually, the war turned to Africa briefly. In the end, Carthage surrendered, and lost Corsica and Sardini. Rome was on the rise.

When the Second Punic War broke out, Hannibal was rising. Troops were growing in Hispania. Hannibal carried his troops through the Alps and into northern Itlay, war elaphants and all. Hannibal destroyed the Italian countryside and never lost a major battle. However, he could not take Rome. Meanwhile, Rome was suffering defeats, and loosing allies (Philip V of Macedon sided with Carthage, starting the Macedon Wars), but they were planning. They attacked Hispania, and eventually took the land as their own province. They then traveled down into Carthage, and the city was forced to surrender, and Hannibal returned home.

The Third Punic War, this time, Rome started the flame. Numidia was constantly harassing and attacking Carthage and surrounding towns, while Carthage was still recovering. They pleaded to Rome for aid, for help, but Rome denied this. Carthage paid back Rome all its debt, and was now growing economically, despite the raids of Numidia. When Carthage fought back, Rome was furious, and ordered Carthage to not make any attempts of war without Roman approval. Then the words “ceterum censeo delendam esse Carthaginem”, were uttered, and The Third Punic War began. In the meantime, the four Macedon Wars persisted, with an ultimate Roman victory. Rome took areas of Greece as their own province. Rome also attacked the city of Carthage. Three years later, in 146 BC, the city of Carthage fell. Rome had won the Punic Wars, after 118 years of fighting, blood shed, and power shifting.

The Punic Wars had a tremendous impact on Roman history, as well as the history of the world. The influence of these battles, these three wars, changed lives, changed history. At first, I was intimidated by the Punic Wars, but now, I look at them in awe. They were amazing. From Hannibal, to Sicily, to the war elephants, to King Philip V of Macedon, everything about these wars fascinates me. I am very glad that I studied the Punic Wars. I honestly do not believe without the Punic Wars in our past, our society would have been very different today. Countries might not have existed; we might not have existed.

The Wars that Changed the World: An Introduction

When we look at war, really analyze and handle the notions and concepts of war, we see present day rivals and advanced technology. We see highly trained soldiers, weighed down by expectations and overdeveloped weapons. We are constantly suppressed by the horrors of nuclear warfare. World War II exposed these fears, and made them reality, enveloping the world in hate, bloodshed, and tears. Now imagine an ancient war, a war that laid down the foundations for modern warfare; a war that was composed of a great empire and a thriving republic, competing for land and authority; a war that shed blood, ruined lives, and shifted power. Imagine a war that changed the course of history, a war that changed the world forever.

The Punic War was not just any war. It was actually composed of three separate wars, were the first world wars in the history of mankind between the Carthage Empire and the Roman Empire.. They took place between the years of 264 and 146 BC. The name is derived from the Latin word Punici, which was the Roman name for Carthaginian (“Rome: The Punic Wars”, Dec. 3, 2007). This war was all about power, all about control. Both sides were growing world dominions, and in order to establish their control, and their positions, both sides wanted land for their economy. They wanted resources, and they wanted supremacy.

At the time, Rome was still a growing republic and the Carthaginian Empire was mighty and proud; they were very protective of their territory, their people. The Carthaginians, who lived in Carthage of Northern Africa, were a tremendous naval authority in the Mediterranean. Carthage was once a colony founded by Phoenician in the eight century, but these people were conquered by the Assyrians and the Persians and vanished into history (Warmington, B. H., p. 10). Carthage was now an independent state, and Carthage was prosperous, economically and politically. The empire covered the coasts of Northern Africa, Southern Spain, Corsica, Sardinia, as well as the western half of Sicily (“Duel for the West…”, p. 679-707). The location of Sicily was devastating: it was right near the tip of the Italian peninsula, and the growing Roman Republic had expanded its control though trade and war over the entire peninsula. A conflict was inevitable.

The First Punic War: 264-241 BCE

The Island of Sicily was torn. Carthage ruled the west, the Kind of Syracuse controlled the southeast, and the Mamertines, Italian mercenaries once hired by Agathocles of Syracuse, seized the city of Messana and the Northeast (“History of Sicily”. Dec. 7, 2007). The Mamertines had raided Messana and north of Sicily. When Heiro II held power in Syracuse, he collided with the Mamertines to control them and take back Messana. The Mamertines suffered several defeats, and had to plead for help. The Carthaginians came to their aid, and garrisoned the city of Messana, but later the Mamertines betrayed Carthage and asked the Romans for assistance. Reluctant at first, Rome joined alliance with the Mamertines (mainly out of fear of total Carthaginian control of Sicily). Outraged, the Carthaginians joined forces with Syracuse and The First Punic War began in 264. The consuls on the Roman side were Marcus Atilius Regulus, Gaius Lutatius Catulus, Appius Claudisu Caudex, and Gaius Duilius, while Hamilcar Barca, Hanno the Great, Hasdrubal, and Xanthippus, led the efforts of Carthage as the commanders (“Punic War, First”, p.101-108).

The Romans took Messana, for the Mamertines had driven out the Carthage garrison. From there, the intent was to neutralize Syracuse. On the way, Rome took neighboring towns, such as Hadranon, and made peace with other towns such as Catania and Enna. After a skirmish with the Romans, Syracuse decided to make peace with the Romans because many nearby towns were accepting Roman authority. Syracuse was allowed to remain independent (“Duel for the West….”, P. 679-707).

In 262 BC, Rome attempted to take hold of Agrigentum. Carthage came to the aid of the city, and eventually, the city fell to the Romans, and Rome gained control of most of Sicily as a result. In 260, Rome was defeated in the Lipara Islands in a naval battle. Then, at the Battle of Mylae, Rome was victorious. Rome was growing strong. They moved west. The Carthaginans then seized Enna in 259 (“Rome: The Punic Wars”, Dec. 3, 2007). Then, Carthage headed toward Syracuse, hoping that the city would rejoin Carthage in the struggle. Rome fought back, gaining back control of Camarina and Enna. Also, Rome created their first fleet. However, it had been largely destroyed in the Batlle of Drepana and various storms (“Punic War, First”, p. 101-108).

In 256, the naval battle of Cape Economus occurred, and the Romans win, and they invade Africa, under Regulus and Manlius. Initially, the Romans were successful in the Battle ofTunes, however, the Greek mercenary Xanthippus smashed the forces of Rome in the end. This was a major defeat for Rome. In Sicily, Carthage still maintained it’s western naval bases, but Rome had won most of the island (Kjeilen, Tore, Dec. 13, 2007). Rome bounced back from the African defeat and carried on the offense. In 251, Romans gained a victory in the Battle of Panormus. Various cities fell and surrendered to Roman authority; the war turned to the hands of small-scale land operations. Rome was gathering support of most of the island now, and destroyed important cities, such as Selinous, Petra, Thermae, Panormus, Kephalodon, and Heraclea, and attack of Carthaginan headquarters. However, they still suffered losses. In 249, in the land and sea battle of Drepanum, Carthage was victorious, but Rome was not faltered; they continued their attacks on Sicily (Brozyna, Andrew. Dec. 3, 2007). However, when Hamilcar Barca entered the war (the father of Hannibal) helped to prevent total Roman dominance on land. Rome had to fight at sea in order to defeat Carthage.

The Romans had developed a unique naval strategy, for they did not possess the finesse of the Carthaginian sailors. The corvus was developed, and it served as a bridge that could be attached to enemy ships. The Romans could then attack the enemy ships by boarding them via the bridges (“Duel for the West…”, p. 679-707). In 241, the naval Battle of the Aegates Islands took place. Rome had just contrasted a new fleet in 242, under Catulus, ready to thwart the advancements of Carthage, but Carthage had also constructed a new fleet, under Hanno. Both sides were ready. However, the ships of Carthage carried more numbers of men and provisions, while the Roman ships were able to maneuver with ease. The Romans captured ships and thousands of men were captures. Hamilar also had no supplies on land, as the Romans captured many of the ships. Rome had also conquered Lilybaeum. Carthage was forced to surrender.

The Carthaginians and Romans signed a treaty in 241. Carthage gave up control of Sicily, and Sicily became the first Roman Province. Carthage also gave Rome money to cover costs for the war and lost most of its wealth as a result of the indemnities instituted by Rome in the peace treaty (“Duel for the West….”, P. 679-707).Carthage lost even more: in 238 BC when mercenary troops rebelled in the Mercenary War over money owed to them during the First Punic War, Rome seized the islands of Sardinia and Corsica while Carthage was preoccupied with the revolt (“Rome: The Punic Wars”, Dec. 3, 2007). Hamilcar Barca was infuriated with this mistreatment, and his son, the infamous Hannibal, carried with him the same anger.

The first Punic War consisted of countless blockades, skirmishes, and brief battles, both on land and sea. The Greek historian Polybius of Megalopolic said that the First Punic War was “the longest and most severely contested war in history”. It last almost twenty-five years, and thousands upon thousands of lives were lost. In the end, though, Rome had won the island, and had become a regional power. However, The Punic Wars were far from over (Brozyna, Andrew, Dec. 3, 2007).

The Second Punic War: 218-202 BCE

Carthage had lost money, people, and land after the first Punic War, and it needed to rebuild. They turned to Hispania peninsula with the intent of using the area as a launching point. Hamilcar Barca and his son-in-law, Hasdrubal the Fair, started the Iberian conquest. Carthage soon was creating an alliance with groups in northern region of the Italian peninsula (Kjeilen, Tore, Dec. 13, 2007). However, the Romans invaded the area, suppressing Carthaginian efforts to create an attack, and Rome felt safe. In the Meantime, Carthage grew strong. They were building armies and feeding off of the resources and riches from the silver mines in Hispania. Rome created a treaty, asking Carthage to not expand their empire past the Ebro river in Hispania (“Second Punic War”, Dec. 9, 2007). Even so, Rome made an alliance with Saguntum. Then, Hannibal Barca came into the picture, around 421 BC. He conquered Saguntum, for Saguntum relied far too heavily on their alliance Rome. He broke the treaty by crossing the Ebro River, and later expanded The Bacid Empire from Ebro to the Pyrenees. When news came back to Rome of the demise of Saguntum, Rome wanted Hannibal to come to the Italian Peninsula, to handle to matter through means of statesmanship and negotiation. Carthage refused, and the Second Punic War began in 218 BC, and Carthage was far more powerful than they were at the beginning of the Punic Wars, for they had developed a strong and deep army in the Hispania province (Scullard, H., p. 157-178). Quintus Fabius Maxiums became dictator in Rome, and he decided to let Hannibal come to him. He wanted to avoid direct battles, and instead send out small armies of men to ambush the traveling Carthage army (“Second Punic War”, Dec. 9, 2007). This tactic was actually a smart one, one that should have been used throughout the entire war. This strategy later became known as the Fabian strategy.

Carthage wanted to invade the Italian peninsula from the north. Hannibal’s army was tremendous; he possessed thousands upon thousands of men who were Iberian and Libyran mercenaries, and even war elephants! However, he had no navy (“Punic War, Second,” p. 108). He had to travel by land. He moved along the coast up Hispania, and up into Gaul, meeting problems with local tribes along the way. Even in Gaul, he meet some Roman forces that were sent to intercept him, but Hannibal conquered them, despite the fatigue of his troops from the endless battles with local tribes (Lendering, Jona, Dec. 7, 2007). Then, one of the defining moments in the history of the Punic Wars occurred; he followed the Rhône and arrived at the foot of the Alps. He and his troops proceeded to cross the Alps, and did so successfully. Even the elephants made the journey. It is still a celebrated feat (“Duel for the West….”, P. 679-707).

After crossing the Alps, Hannibal descended into northern Italy and the Po Valley. Even after Hannibal eventually left Italy, fighting still continued in northern Italy, and Rome lost many colonies in the area and alliances with the Gauls. There, Carthage obtained victory upon victory. The Romans lost at Ticiinus River, and The Battle of Trebia, (Brozyna, Andrew. Dec. 3, 2007). Hannibal had secured the north, despite Roman attempts to eastern and western routes around Rome to thwart Carthage. However, Hannibal decided to go via Arno, crossing the Appennines (Kjeilen, Tore, Dec. 13, 2007). In this decision, Hannibal lost some valuable men, for the travel was tiresome and difficult. However, he meet Roman forces, led by Flaminus, at Etruria and Lake Trasimenus, and The Battle of Lake Tasimene occurred (A Carthaginian victory). This was a devasting defeat for Rome.

Then Carthage proceeded through to Campania and wintered in the Apulian. Fabius refused to run into direct battle, so Carthage just waited for them; both sides were growing restless. Rome was growing tired of Fabius drawn-out war. Nothing was happening. Two new consuls were elected, Marcus Atilius Reguus, and Gnaeus Servilius Geminus, to get the ball rolling again (“Duel for the West….”, P. 679-707).

Carthage then seized Cannae in 216 BC. The battle at Cannae was the grandest and bloodiest of the war. The Carthaginians swarmed the Romans, and Rome lost great numbers, great fighters. The Roman army was punched square in the face. After the defeat at Cannae in the southern Italian province, Hannibal’s troops destroyed the countyside. They also took the city of Capua (Scullard, H., p. 157-178). At this point in time, the new consuls sent out eighty thousand soldiers to fight and oppose Hannibal (“Second Punic War”, Dec. 9, 2007). This army was completely destroyed, and Rome suffered tremendous losses in little skirmishes. Fabius was re-elected, and again avoided direct battle. This choice saved Rome. However, Rome was also losing allies; Sicily sided with Carthage, as did most southern Italy. The city of Syracuse was besieged by Rome, and it eventually fell. Even though a majority of Sicily was with Carthage, Rome still had a secure hold of the island. There was also a brief uprising of the natives of Sardini, but that eventually faded out and ceased. Philip V of Macedon even sided with Hannibal. The First Macedonian War between Rome and Macedon in the First Macedonian War. Rome teamed up with the Aetolian League. The result was a stalemate, and this foreshadowed problems that were dealt with later on in the Third Punic War.

However, Rome still had the city of Rome and the central region of the peninsula. Hannibal did not have enough numbers to take the city, and he spent far to much time pondering whether he should attack or the city or let it be. He still wondered around unopposed around the peninsula, but he could not touch Rome, and the Romans knew it. Hannibal was also loosing southern Italy, for Rome was taking it back. Despire Roman defeats at Herdoniac and Locri Epizephyri. Rome was also taking back fallen cities, such as Tarentum and Capua. Thus, Rome planned. They knew that Hannibal relied on Hispania for resources, such as soldiers, food, and weapons, and those resources had to be destroyed. Publius Cornelius Scipio as appointed consul and was to conquer Hispania.

This was the war Iberia. The first Roman expedition was not successful; however, at the second trip, Scipio charged Carthago Nova, against the armies of Hasdrubal Barca. and took the city (Kjeilen, Tore, Dec. 13, 2007). Hispania officially became a province of Rome after the Battle of Ilipa. However, Hasdrubal as able to retreat, and he was able to attempt to aid Hannibal in Italy. However, Hasdrubal fell in the Battle of the Metaurus. There were also attempted naval attacks on Italy, but most the fleet had to be called back to Africa for Scipio ventured to Carthage from Hispania into Africa and attacked the Carthaginians. Scipio allied with Numidian forces to aid in the process. Although Rome never broke down the city’s walls, Carthage begged for peace from Rome, and a treaty was imposed, stating that Hannibal had to leave the Italian peninsula (Scullard, H., p. 157-178). Hannibal Barca had to give up on obtaining Italy; he had to return and defend his country. Hannibal was an interesting character; he won every major battle, yet ultimately lost the war. In the decisive Battle of Zama, the Romans were victorious, and the Carthaginian army suffered greatly. Carthage was forced to accept peace, the loss of Hispania, the removal of their army and navy, and they were in debt to Rome. Now, the city was reduced to a mere client state, under the authority of Rome (“Second Punic War”, Dec. 9, 2007). Hannibal maintained power for some time, but later on was forced into exile, and later committed suicide. The life of Hannibal is distinguished, yet tragedy struck in the light of his glory, in the light of his pride. The hero lost the war, and lost himself.

The Second Punic was a miraculous feat for the Romans. They won, despite all odds. They overcame Hannibal; they outsmarted him, they rose above him. Ultimately, their wit won them the war. Their plan to overtake the Hispania region was one of the determining factors of their final victory. The Second Punic war enhanced Rome’s status; they were not just a regional power. Rome was now a “superpower.” It held most of northern Africa and Hispania in its hands, as well as the Mediterranean. It had control, but not superior control. Philip V of Macedon still teased Rome, and Rome took action.

The Third Punic War: 149-146 BCE

The Third Punic War was the last of the Punic Wars, although this time, different players were involved in this masterful board game. After the Battle of Zama and Hannibal’s defeat, Carthage was under Roman rule. The Roman ally, Masinissa of Numidia, continued to harass and contest with Carthage for land. Carthage tried to attempt peaceful relations with Rome, offering them shipments of resources another attempts to lessen to conflict. Rome denied these advances. Rome allowed Numidian raids to persist (“Third Punic War”, Dec. 17, 2007). Carthage repaid the debt, but Numidia again raided the Carthaginians, and Carthage fought back, loosing an immense amount of men. Rome was furies about this battle, and Carthage was not allowed to conduct war with Roman consent.

Eventually, Rome sent a delegate, Cato the Elder, to Carthage for inspection (“Third Punic War”, Dec. 13, 2007). Upon return, he convinced Rome to once again forge a war against Carthage, to prevent a Carthage return to dangerous and threatening power. Cato believed that Carthage was once again prosperous economically, and could grow stronger. Rome was obviously stronger, but Italy was ruined. The countryside was in havoc, and the poor moved into the city in search of wealth (“The Third Punic War”, Dec. 17, 2007). It was said that Cato inspired Rome to go to war, coming to the aid of Numidia, (Kjeilen, Tore, Dec. 13, 2007). uttering the famous lines “ceterum censeo delendam esse Carthaginem”, which is translates into the simple “Furthermore, it is my opinion that Carthage must be destroyed”. However, Carthage tried to appease the Romans, but Rome did not accept. War was declared against Carthage (“Third Punic War”. Dec. 17, 2007).

Now, the Romans also fought in Greece, along side the Aetolian League against Philip V of Macedon. This was a continuation of the First Macedon War in 215 BC during the Second Punic War. There were four Macedonian Wars, with the Fourth Macedonian War coming to an end in 146, the same year the Punic Wars ceased to exist (Lendering, Jona, Dec. 7, 2007). Rome had to annihilate this threat so the could concentrate on Carthage. Rome sent many of the poor to fight in Greece. The army moved on into western Asia. Everywhere they went, every place they touched, they won. Rome took over most of the area, defeated Philip, and destroyed the city of Corinth in 146 BC. Parts of Greece then feel into Roman hands, and became a Roman province. (“Rome: The Punic Wars”, Dec, 3, 2007).

Back in Carthage, Public Cornelius Scipiio Aemilianus took command of the Roman army. He blockaded the harbor and surrounded the city. In 146 BC, they assaulted the city. The siege continued for three years (Brozyna, Andrew. Dec. 3, 2007). Citizens were killed, buildings were burned, and the city was doomed to total chaos. After Carthage surrendered, thousands of citizens were either killed or sold into slavery, the harbor was destroyed, and the city was burned. “Third Punic War”, Dec. 17, 2007).The First and Second Punic Wars depleted Carthage of its political power, and with the conclusion of the Third Punic War, Carthage lost its economy, its people, and itself. Carthage was obliterated. Rome took over the area and named their new province Africa. Carthage was even rebuilt as a Roman city later in history. With this win, Rome was well on the way to becoming mighty empire after the fall of the Republic nearly a hundred years later. Rome was now a true “superpower”.

Conclusion

The Punic Wars changed the ancient world, the classical world, and the world of the mighty Roman Empire. Rome now had provinces, lands in far away places. Hispania, Africa, and parts of Greece were now Roman. In turn, these provinces influenced Rome culturally and economically. The world was now for Rome. The Punic Wars resulted in change that has echoed into all of eternity.

Images

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Snowstorm: Hannibal Crossing the Alps
(Turner)

PIC
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Bibliography

Images

“The First and Second Punic Wars”

(Atlas of the World History, p. 200)

“Hannibal Crossing the Alps”

(“Hannibal Crosses the Alps”, Dec. 27, 2007)

< http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dc/Hannibal3.jpg/300px-Hannibal3.jpg>

“Destruction of Carthage; 146 BC”

(“The Sack of Carthage”, Dec. 27, 2007)

<http://www.romanempire.net/romepage/images/ArtGallery/RomeandRomans1/Carthage.JPG>

“The Carthaginian Army”

(“Hannibal Barca”, Jan. 4, 2007)

http://www.ha.sad22.us/BenJohnson/images/hannibal-italy.gif