Punic Wars Rome took place with the North African power, the Phoenician city of Carthage for the existence of Rome, as well as for supremacy in the western Mediterranean.The first trade agreement between the Romans and the Carthaginians was concluded in 509 BCOn the division of spheres of influence agreements were renewed in the year 348, 305 and 281 BC.
For centuries Carthage was a struggle for dominance with the Sicilian Greeks.In this south-western part of Sicily is the sphere of influence of Carthaginians (Carthage).Sicilian Greeks in the early 3rd century.BC.e.They were not able to cope on their own with the growing onslaught.As a result, they were forced to seek outside help, in particular, to the king Pyrrhus, and later (after the capture of the south of Italy by the Romans) - to the Roman government.
Wars of Ancient Rome became the consequences of certain events.In 282 BCin Messana (Greek city) entered the Italian mercenaries (according to some sources they were called Mamertines) and captured it.However, Hiero of Syracuse (the ruler of the city) started to drive away the invaders.Mamertines divided asking for external support: some ask for help from the Romans, and others - from the Carthaginians.The discontent was caused by the Roman invasion of Messana Carthaginians.
Punic War began in 264 BC g.e.with the landing of the Romans in Sicily and the expulsion of the Carthaginians from Messana.Managed by the Roman army, the consul Appius Claudius.Ruler Messana concluded an alliance with Rome.Together they drove the Carthaginians and from Agrigento.Despite the fact that earlier the Romans, their fleet was not fast enough, they built it, and won several victories over the Carthaginians, known for its power on the sea.The first naval victory won on the northern coast of Sicily Duilio.In the battle to use the invention by the Romans boarding bridges.In 256 BC,consul Regulus won the next victory at Eknome.With his army he has landed in Africa.In 255, the Romans were defeated by the commander Xanthippe wage, while in captivity falls Duilio.However, despite the misfortune of the Romans, exacerbating the loss during a storm a few fleets, they were victorious on land near the Phoenician city in western Sicily Panormo.In the period from 248 242 a year for the Romans pushed aside from the Sicilian cities of the Carthaginian army under the command of Hamilcar Barca.This talented military leader wins both marine and land victory.However, the situation changed in 242, after the defeat of the Carthaginian fleet at Egatskih islands.As a result of the fact that the sea was dominated by the Romans, and Hamilcar was cut off from Carthage, Punicians were forced to enter into a very disadvantageous peace.Under the agreement, they had to completely abandon Sicily.Infighting in Carthage Punic War Power suspended for a while.By eliminating the Carthaginians out of the fight, the Romans managed to seize Sardinia.
resumed Punic War as a result of expansion of Carthage in Spain.Beginning in the year 237 the Carthaginian generals (Hasdrubal, Hamilcar, Hannibal) conquered various tribes Spanish.In 218, the Romans declared war on Carthage.The reason was the seizure of the union Romans Sagunto.The commander Hannibal outwitted Romans, waiting for him intrusion from the sea, crossing the Pyrenees and Gaul, as well as virtually inaccessible Alps, down to the north of Italy.Because of its suddenness and swiftness, he scored several brilliant victories.In the year 216 in the Battle of Cannae Hannibal Roman breaks 80 thousand troops.However, log in Rome he can not.Despite this, Hannibal directs our gaze towards the rich Italian cities.However, in 214, the victory of the Carthaginians over.Up to 202, the Carthaginian generals were defeated.As a result, they made peace.
hostilities resumed in 149 by the Romans.Fearing a revival of Carthage, the Roman army besieged the city.Local residents defended three years.However, in 146 Carthage was captured and destroyed.
Punic War ravaged southern Italy so that the once thriving region had lost all economic value.
