Punic Wars

Punic Wars, 3 conflicts between Carthage and Rome. Rome emerged from the Punic Wars as the dominant Mediterranean power. The First Punic War (264–241 B.C.) involved a local dispute over the control of the Strait of Messina, between Sicily and Italy. Carthage, led by Hamilcar Barca, and the Sicilian town Syracuse fought well on land but yielded to Rome's greater sea power. During the Second Punic War (218–201 B.C.), Hannibal, the Carthagenian general, crossed the Alps into Italy. The Romans struggled to contain him and finally defeated him (202 B.C.) in Africa. Rome gained Carthage's Spanish provinces. The Third Punic War (149–146 B.C.) resulted from Carthage's alleged violation of the 201 B.C. treaty. Rome blockaded Carthage and sacked the city.

See also: Carthage; Hannibal; Rome, Ancient.