Lecture Notes: The Punic Wars

Context

3rd Century BC Mediterranean Power Dynamics:
- Carthaginians: Dominant sea power, empire from Spain to Tunisia.
- Romans: Controlled Italian Peninsula, looking to expand.

Initial Conflict:
- Began in Sicily, 280 BC.
- Italian mercenaries, the Mamertines, attacked by Syracuse.
- Mamertines allied with Rome against Carthage.
Roman Expansion:
- Romans defeated Syracuse in 264 BC, forced alliance.
Carthaginian Resistance:
- Led by Hamilcar despite losses.
Naval Warfare:
- Romans built a navy to challenge Carthage.
- 20 years of naval battles; Romans' success left Carthage unable to fund shipbuilding.
End of First Punic War:
- 241 BC: Carthage sued for peace, Romans gained Sicily.
- Carthage's economy devastated, led to a mercenary revolt.
- Rome capitalized by annexing Sardinia and Corsica.

Carthaginian Expansion in Spain:
- Hamilcar's campaigns expanded Carthaginian control.
- Hannibal took control, attacked Roman ally Saguntum.

Hannibal's Campaign:
- Crossed the Alps with elephants into Italy.
- Notable victories against Rome (e.g., Battle of Cannae).
- Romans under Fabius Maximus adopted attrition strategies.
Roman Counter-Offensives:
- Success in Sicily, conquered Syracuse (212 BC).
- Struggled in Spain initially, loss of Scipio in 211 BC.
Turning Point:
- Scipio Africanus led Roman forces in Spain, capturing New Carthage (210 BC).
- Defeated Carthaginians at Battle of Ilipa (206 BC).
Final Campaigns:
- Hasdrubal attempted to join Hannibal in Italy, defeated at Metaurus (207 BC).
- Political upheaval in Carthaginian allies, Numidians joined Rome.
Conclusion:
- Scipio Africanus invaded Africa, won Battle of Great Plains.
- Hannibal recalled, defeated at Battle of Zama (202 BC).
- Carthage reduced to Roman client state.

Roman Fears and War Declaration:
- Fear of Carthage regaining strength.
Siege and Destruction:
- 3-year siege of Carthage.
- City fell, destroyed, population massacred or enslaved.