100 likes | 147 Views
The Punic Wars. Background Story. Rome was growing and trying to expand. So was the city-state of Carthage in North Africa. Carthage has conquered 3 islands off the coast of Rome. Rome has a great army. Carthage has a great navy. The Punic Wars. 1st Punic Wars. Lasted for 23 years
E N D
Background Story • Rome was growing and trying to expand. So was the city-state of Carthage in North Africa. • Carthage has conquered 3 islands off the coast of Rome. • Rome has a great army. • Carthage has a great navy.
1st Punic Wars • Lasted for 23 years • Carthage had stronger force : wanted control of Sicily—right next to Rome. • Sicily asked Rome for help; BUT Rome had no navy • They trained thousands of sailors & built warships • Hamilcar was the leader and he took his oldest son –Hannibal. • Hamilcar got sick and died. His son took over. • Rome won the War!
2nd Punic Wars • Hannibal crossed the Alps to attack Rome with elephants. Took 15 days and lost half his men • Fought for 16 years; gets within one mile of the city but Rome would not give up. • Meanwhile, Carthage was attacked and defeated and Rome won— • Agreement: had to pay Rome a tax and could not use military power. • Hannibal escaped for years • Killed himself with poison
3rd Punic Wars • Rome declared war on Carthage 50 years later, because they were becoming strong. • “Carthage must be destroyed” • They attacked with a small army. Carthage defended themselves • But broke a peace treaty to not use any weapons • Rome plowed fields sprinkled salt so nothing would grow in Carthage. • 4/5 people were killed. The rest, 50,000 became slaves.