Punic Wars

The Punic Wars of Rome were fought with the North African Power, the Phoenician city of Carthage for the existence of Rome itself, and also for domination in the western Mediterranean. The first trade agreement between the Romans and the Carthaginians was concluded in 509 BC. On the division of spheres of influence, contracts were renewed in 348, 305 and 281 BC.

Throughout the centuries, Carthage's struggle for Sicilian domination with the Greeks took place. In this case, the south-western part of Sicily was the sphere of influence of the Punjians (Carthaginians). The Sicilian Greeks in the early 3rd century. BC. E. Were unable to cope on their own with an increasing onslaught. As a result, they were forced to seek outside help, in particular, to King Pyrrhus, and later (after the capture of southern Italy by the Romans) - to the Roman government.

The wars of Ancient Rome were the consequences of certain events. In 282 BC. The Italian mercenaries (in some sources they were called Mamertins) entered Messana (the Greek city) and captured it. However, Syracuse Hieron (the ruler of the city) began to oust the invaders. The Mamertins split, asking for outside support: some asked for help from the Romans, and others - from the Carthaginians. The discontent of the Romans was caused by the invasion of Messana by the Carthaginians.

The Punic Wars began in 264 BC. E. From the landing of the Romans in Sicily and the expulsion of the Carthaginians from Messana. The consul Appius Claudius led the Roman army. The ruler of Messana concluded an alliance with Rome. Together they pushed the Carthaginians out of the city of Agrigent. Despite the fact that earlier the Romans did not have their fleet, they quickly built it and won several victories over the Punjans, known for their power at sea. The first naval victory was won on the northern Sicilian coast by Duilius. In the battle, the bridges invented by the Romans were used. In 256 BC. Consul Regulus won the next victory at Econom. With his army, he landed in Africa. In 255, the Romans were defeated by the mercenary commander Xanthipp, with Duilius being captured. However, despite the misfortunes of the Romans, exacerbated by the loss during the storm of several flotillas, they gain a victory on land near the Phoenician city in the west of Sicily Panorma. In the period from 248 to 242, the Romans are pushed out of Sicilian cities by the Carthaginian army under the command of Hamilcar Bark. This talented commander wins both sea and land victories. However, the situation changes in 242 after the defeat of the Carthaginian fleet near the Egat Islands. As a result of the fact that the Romans dominated the sea, and Hamilcar was cut off from Carthage, the Punjis were forced to conclude a very unprofitable world for themselves. By agreement, they had to abandon Sicily completely. The internal strife in the Carthaginian state suspended the Punic wars for some time. Due to the exclusion of the Carthaginians from the struggle, the Romans succeeded in capturing Sardinia.

The Punic Wars were resumed as a result of the expansion of Carthage in Spain. Since 237, the Carthaginian generals (Hasdrubal, Hamilcar, Hannibal) were conquered by various Spanish tribes. In 218, the Romans declared war on Carthage. The reason for this was the capture of the allied Romans of the city of Sagunt. The commander Hannibal, outwitting the Romans, who were waiting for his invasion from the sea, crossing the Pyrenees and Gaul, and also the practical inaccessible Alps, descended to the north of Italy. Due to his suddenness and rapidity, he scored several brilliant victories. In 216, in the Battle of Cannes, Hannibal is defeated by a Roman army of 80 thousand. However, he can not enter Rome. Despite this, Hannibal directs its eyes towards the rich Italian cities. However, in 214 the victories of the Carthaginians were over. Up to 202 the Carthaginian generals suffered defeat. In the end, they made peace.

Military operations resumed in 149 by the Romans. Fearing the revival of Carthage, the Roman army besieged the city. Local residents defended for three years. However, in 146 Carthage was captured and destroyed.

Punic wars have so ruined the south of Italy, that once flourishing the region lost all economic significance.