Second Punic War

1. Second Punic War Between the Wars 239-219 BCE

2. Between the Wars 239-218 • Mercenary War in Africa (240-237) • Rome takes Sardinia and Corsica • Carthaginian conquests in Iberia • Hannibal attacks Saguntum (in Iberia)

3. Mercenary War in Africa • Fought between Carthaginian mercenaries and Carthaginian army 240-237 BCE • Following the First Punic War, Carthaginian mercenaries arrive back in Carthage (Africa) were they expected to be paid. • Carthage’s treasury was low in funds – 1st Punic War. • Carthage allocated the mercenaries land – mercenaries thought that the government was trying to avoid its obligations and waged war on Carthage. • Mercenaries take Tunis (city near Carthage) • Hamilcar and Hanno capture Tunis and re-establish Carthage’s control over its African territories. • Rome maintains friendly relations with Carthage during this time – send supplies, trade embargo on rebels, release Carthaginian prisoners, refused offer to take over Sardinia from Carthage.

4. Rome: Sardinia and Corsica • 237 BCE – Roman attitude to Carthage changes after the end of Mercenary War. • Rome seizes control of Sardinia from Carthage. • Carthage protested that Roman action was in breach of the peace treaty of 241 BCE. • Rome regarded this an act of war and issued an ultimatum which the Carthaginians had no choice but to accept, giving all further control to Rome. • 227 BCE – Sardinia and Corsica become Roman provinces – governed by an annually elected Praetor. • Rome seized Sardinia and Corsica (possibly) because: • They thought that under the Carthaginians it would pose a permanent threat to Etruria, Latium and Campania - it was central to the security of Italy

5. Carthaginian conquests in Iberia • Carthage: loss of Sardinia and Corsica caused a loss of revenue, resources, personal wealth, and jobs. Therefore: • Needed to find alternative source of revenue, • Needed to ensure they were adequately prepared for future ‘attacks’ from Rome, • Necessary for Carthage in the national interest to embark on a program of overseas expansion.

7. Hamilcar Barca - Spain • Sent to take control of Iberia • Increased army through voluntary and forced enlistment. • Army was well trained, experienced and funded. • Told Roman envoys he was seeking resources to pay its indemnities to Rome.

9. Hasdrubal • Son-in-law to Hamilcar • Used diplomacy instead of force to further aims instigated by Hamilcar. • Founded New Carthage – headquarters in Iberia. • Signed the Ebro River Treaty (226BCE) with Rome, which, in summary meant: • Carthage could not cross the Ebro River • Rome did not intend to oppose Hasdrubal (south of the Ebro River) • It created good relations between Rome and Carthage • Neither side was prevented from having peaceful relations with cities on either side (Saguntum and Rome allied from 231 BCE)

10. Hannibal Exploits in Iberia

11. Hannibal – exploits in Iberia • Took over command in Iberia in 221 BCE following the assassination of Hasdrubal. • He continued and consolidated the work started by his father and brother-in-law. • Undertook operations against the Vaccaei • Took control of Carpentani region • Eventually controlled all of Iberia south of the Ebro River – except Saguntum (allied to Rome)

13. For Friday or Homework • Please read page 124-130 of Bradley and answer the question: • Why did Hannibal attack Saguntum knowing that it would mean war with Rome?