Hannibal And The Punic Wars

1. Hannibal And The Punic Wars

2. The Punic Wars • The Punic Wars were a series or wars that were fought between Rome and Carthage from 264-146 BCE.

3. The Punic Wars • By the time that the wars started Rome had firm control of the Italian peninsula, while the North African city-state of Carthage had established itself as the leading maritime (sea) power in the world.

4. The Punic Wars

5. The First Punic War • Tensions between the two great powers came to a head over the island of Sicily. • The First Punic Warlasted almost 20 years. Rome ultimately won the war by rebuilding its navy and defeating the Carthaginians at sea.

6. The Second Punic War • Humiliated by the first war, Carthage dedicated itself to expanding into Spain. • It was during this period that the great Carthaginian general Hannibal was born. It is said that Hannibal was made to swear a blood oath against Rome while he was still a young boy.

7. Hannibal

8. The Second Punic War • Shortly after taking control of the Carthaginian army, Hannibal declared war on Rome. • He proceeded to march his army of over 100,000 men, cavalry and elephants across the Alps in order to catch the Romans unprepared.

9. The Second Punic War • After a string of impressive victories, Hannibal’s army was defeated and forced out of Italy by a Roman army led by Scipio Africanus.

10. The Second Punic War • Scipio chased Hannibal back to Carthage and defeated him at the Battle of Zama, which marked the end of Carthage as a major power.

12. The Third Punic War • Despite no longer being a major threat to Rome, many senators called for the total destruction of Carthage.

13. The End of Carthage • In 149 BCE Rome returned to battle Carthage, one last time. At the end of a two year siege, Carthage was totally destroyed and any remaining citizens were sold into slavery.