Punic Wars
The Punic Wars The Punic Wars lasted from 264 to 146 BC and were between Rome and the Carthaginians. All three wars were won by Rome. ... The name Punic is derived from the Latin and Greek words for Phoenician. ... These assumptions helped lead to the wars. ... The First Punic War The first Punic war was the outcome of growing political and economic rivalry. ... When the Sicilian city of Messina revolted against the Carthaginians, the Romans intervened and the first Punic war erupted. ... The Second Punic War The Spanish town of Saguntum approached Rome for alliance and protection from Carthage. ... With the conclusion of the second Punic war, the Romans had gone from being a regional power to an international power controlling most of the Mediterranean region and Northern Africa. The Third Punic War In the 52 years after the second war, Carthage had become commercially successful and though only a minor power, a source of irritation to Rome. ... A minor breach in the treaty by the Carthaginians gave the pretense for the Third Punic War.