Punic wars
Punic warsThe three wars fought in the 3rd and 2nd century bc between Rome and Carthage, so named from ‘Poenicus’ (‘Dark skin’ or ‘Phoenician’). The contest was for control of the Mediterranean Sea. Rome emerged as victor from each war.
The First ( 264 – 241 BC ) was fought largely at sea. Rome expanded its navy and took control of Sicily. Corsica and Sardinia were seized a few years later. Hamilcar Barca , father of Hannibal , led the defeated side. The Second ( 218 – 201 ) arose from Hannibal's invasion of Italy from Carthaginian bases in Spain via the Alps. He led a huge force including elephant squadrons. Rome suffered disastrous defeats,...
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