The struggle between Rome and Carthage for dominance in the Western Mediterranean was a historical event that took place during the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Carthage and Rome competed for control of important sea routes and trade markets in the Mediterranean. Five wars between the states ended with Rome’s victory in 201 BC. This resulted in the destruction of Carthage and the creation of the Roman Empire, which became one of the most influential in human history.
Causes of the conflict
Before the conflict between Rome and Carthage began, both states dominated different parts of the Mediterranean Sea. Carthage controlled trade in the west, while Rome dominated the east. In addition, Carthage had great economic power, mainly due to its control over the trade in copper and other metals. The beginning of the conflict is associated with Rome’s acquisition of control over Sicily, which was a place of trade for both states. Rome’s capture of Sicily caused increased tension between the states and turned into several wars. The struggle for control of the Mediterranean Sea and important trade routes was considered the main cause of the conflict between Rome and Carthage.
Five wars between Rome and Carthage
The conflict between Rome and Carthage spanned five wars:
The First Punic War (264-241 BC) – the cause of the war was trade disputes, Rome won, gaining Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica.
Second Punic War (218-201 BC) – Hannibal Barca invades Italy via the Alps, but Rome wins the Battle of Zama and destroys Carthage.
Third Punic War (149-146 BC) – Rome captures Carthage and destroys it.
First Macedonian War (215-205 BC) – Carthage supports Macedonia against Rome, but Rome wins the war.
Second Macedonian War (200-196 BC) – Carthage sides with Rome in the war against Macedonia and receives certain privileges from Rome.
First Punic War (264-241 BC)
The First Punic War was a long military conflict between Rome and Carthage that lasted from 264 to 241 BC. The confrontation was caused by trade disputes and the desire to gain control of the Mediterranean Sea. During the war, Rome conquered Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica, which allowed it to become stronger in the region. As a result of Rome’s victory, Carthage was forced to pay large compensation and lose part of its territory.
Second Punic War (218-201 BC)
The Second Punic War was a war between Rome and Carthage that lasted from 218 to 201 BC. It began with General Hannibal’s attack on the Roman Empire, which led to a series of significant victories for Carthage. However, Rome later managed to turn the tide of the war and, as a result of its victory, gained a significant part of Carthage’s territory and forced Carthage to pay large compensation. Hannibal Barca invades Italy via the Alps, but Rome wins the Battle of Zama and destroys Carthage.
The Second Punic War ended with the complete defeat of Carthage and the strengthening of Rome’s position in the region.
Third Punic War (149-146 BC)
The Third Punic War lasted from 149 to 146 BC. The previous wars between Rome and Carthage left serious wounds on the latter empire, which was unable to recover. In 149 BC, Rome declared war on Carthage, stating that they were violating the terms of the peace treaty. Roman troops delivered decisive blows and, as a result, Carthage was completely destroyed, its city was razed to the ground, and its inhabitants were sold into slavery.
First Macedonian War (215-205 BC)
Carthage supported Macedonia against Rome, but Rome won the war.
The First Macedonian War took place between Rome and Macedonia in 215-205 BC. The war began after Macedonia attempted to expand its territories south of Illyria. Rome decided to protect its interests and started a war against Macedonia. Rome managed to defeat Macedonia and established its control over the northern regions of Greece.
Second Macedonian War (200-196 BC)
Carthage sided with Rome in the war against Macedonia and received certain privileges from Rome.
Each war had a major impact on the history of the states. The struggle for control of the Mediterranean Sea and trade routes proved to be a key factor in shaping the history of the region.
The Second Macedonian War took place between Rome and Macedonia in 200-196 BC. The war began because of Macedonia’s attempts to restore its influential position in Greece and turn to the young regent of Persia to create an anti-Roman coalition. Rome managed to repel the attack and defeat Macedonia, after which the latter lost its territories in Greece and was forced to become a Roman vassal.
Conclusion
Rome’s victory in the wars against Carthage and Macedonia secured the Roman Republic’s absolute dominance in the western Mediterranean. As a result, Rome became the most influential power of the time, and its military machine and political system became the foundation of European civilization.
However, Rome’s victory also had serious consequences for Carthage, which was destroyed during the Third Punic War. The city was completely destroyed, and its territory was annexed to the province of Africa of the Roman Empire. Approximately 50,000 local residents were sold into slavery, and the city itself was renamed “New Rome.” The consequences of Rome’s victory for Carthage were catastrophic, and they remained influential throughout the history of the Western Mediterranean.
