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[[File: Carthage One.jpg|300px250px|thumbthumbnail|left|Ruins of Carthage]]The final defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic War transformed the history of Ancient Europe. For over a century the Romans and the Carthaginians had fought for control of the Mediterranean. However, by 146 BC, the Romans had achieved a total victory over Carthage and had wiped the city from the face of the earth. This victory had significant repercussions on Roman politics and society. The defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic War allowed the Roman Republic to become the superpower of Europe and allowed its influence to expand to North Africa. North Africa become the breadbasket of Rome for centuries. The victory also ensured that Rome was the greatest naval power in the Mediterranean and aided its economic expansion over the next 500 years.

====Background====[[File: Carthage four.jpg|200px|thumb|left|The prow final defeat of a Carthaginian Ship in a modern museum]]Rome and Carthage came into conflict in the First Third Punic War transformed the history of 264-241 BCEAncient Europe. They For over a century, the Romans and the Carthaginians had fought for the control of Sicilythe Mediterranean. The However, by 146 BC, the Romans, after had achieved a brutal struggle, emerged victoriously total victory over Carthage and gained possession had wiped the city from the face of the islandearth. This assured that Rome would be the dominant Italian power. The Second Punic War (218-201 BC), often known as Hannibal’s War was the greatest challenge that Rome ever facedvictory had significant repercussions on Roman politics and society.<ref> Chris Scarre, "The Wars with Carthage," The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome (London: Penguin Books, 1995), pp 24–25</ref>

Hannibal was a military genius, who had greatly expanded The defeat of Carthage in the Third Punic Empire in Iberia War allowed the Roman Republic to become the superpower of Europe and invaded Italy after traversing allowed its influence to expand to North Africa. North Africa become the Alpsbreadbasket of Rome for centuries. After his decisive The victory at Cannae it seemed also ensured that Rome was the Romans were defeated, but remarkably they survived. The Romans eventually wore Hannibal down greatest naval power in a war of attrition. Then one of the greatest Roman generals Scipio Africanus defeated Mediterranean and aided its economic expansion over the Carthaginians in Spain and invaded their homeland (in modern Tunisia)next 500 years.

This invasion forced Hannibal to return from Italy, and Scipio later defeated him at the Battle of Zama. The Carthaginians == What were defeated, and Rome forced Hannibal into exile. A vengeful Rome imposed a peace treaty on the city that was punitive. By the end of the second Punic War, the Carthaginians had lost all their Empire Wars between Rome and Rome confined them to their original territoryCarthage? ==[[File: Carthage four. Rome had achieved jpg|250px|thumbnail|left|The prow of a total victory Carthaginian Ship in the Second Punic War. The war transformed Rome's military. Its army grew and became an extraordinarily professional army. Rome also became a significant naval power. modern museum]]

After its defeat, Rome and Carthage was too weak to oppose Rome’s ambitions came into conflict in the MediterraneanFirst Punic War of 264-241 BCE. Under They fought for the harsh terms control of Sicily. The Romans, after a brutal struggle, emerged victoriously and gained possession of the treaty island. This assured that ended Rome would be the dominant Italian power. The Second Punic War(218-201 BC), often known as Hannibal’s War, was the Carthaginians had been reduced to the status of a dependency of the Italian city-stategreatest challenge Rome faced.<ref>ScullardChris Scarre, Howard Hayes: A History "The Wars with Carthage," The Penguin Historical Atlas of the Roman World, 753 to 146 BC Ancient Rome (New York, RoutledgeLondon: Penguin Books, 20021995), p 316pp 24–25</ref> Not only had they been forced to relinquish their Empire and limit their navy, the Punic state was obliged to pay a massive indemnity to their old enemies’ treasury every year.

Furthermore, Hannibal was a military genius who had greatly expanded the Roman Republic oversaw Punic Empire in Iberia and invaded Italy after traversing the foreign relations of Alps. After his decisive victory at Cannae, it seemed that the city-state. The Romans also encouraged Numidians to raid Carthaginian areas frequentlywere defeated, but remarkably they survived. The Romans also ruled eventually wore Hannibal down in favor a war of attrition. One of the Numidians in their favor in their border disputes with Carthage. <ref> Scarregreatest Roman generals, Scipio Africanus, p. 24</ref> The peace terms that defeated the Romans had imposed on the North African city-state were onerous Carthaginians in Spain and framed in such a way as to permanently weaken itinvaded their homeland (modern Tunisia).

This invasion forced Hannibal to return from Italy, and Scipio later defeated him at Zama's Battle. The descendants of the Phoenician settlers Carthaginians were a bold race of mariners, entrepreneursdefeated, and tradersRome forced Hannibal into exile. Despite A vengeful Rome imposed a peace treaty on the treaty, Carthage city that was able to pay punitive. By the reparations and even to expand its trade network. The recovery end of the city was remarkableSecond Punic War, the Carthaginians had lost all their Empire, and it became, once more an economic powerhouse, despite all Rome confined them to their original territory. Rome had achieved a total victory in the efforts of the RomansSecond Punic War.<ref>Miles, RichardThe war transformed Rome's military. Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise Its army grew and Fall of became an Ancient Civilization (London, Allen Lane, 2010), pextraordinarily professional army. Rome also became a significant naval power. 45</ref>

This alarmed some of the SenatorsAfter its defeat, who were Carthage was too weak to oppose Rome’s ambitions in the ruling elite in Mediterranean. Under the city on harsh terms of the Tiber. Many had fought in treaty that ended the Second Punic War and knew that Rome , the Carthaginians had come close been reduced to defeat and possible extinction at a dependency of the hands of HannibalItalian city-state. The distinguished senator Cato the Elder demanded that ‘Carthage must be destroyed’ at the end of every speech he made in the Senate </ref> AppianScullard, Howard Hayes: A History of Romethe Roman World, 753 to 146 BC (New York, vRoutledge, iii2002), p 316</ref>. However, many Romans did not want war as Not only had they had come been forced to rely upon relinquish their Empire and limit their navy, but the payments from CarthagePunic state was also obliged to pay a massive indemnity to their old enemies’ treasury every year.

====Third Punic War====[[File: Carthage.png|200px|thumb|left|Modern map The descendants of Carthage before its destruction 146 BC]]By 151 BC the Carthaginians had fully repaid Phoenician settlers were a bold race of mariners, entrepreneurs, and traders. Despite the indemnity that had been imposed on them by treaty, Carthage was able to pay the victors of Zamareparations and even to expand its trade network. The oligarchy that ruled recovery of the city believed that the treaty was now expired. This development alarmed Romeremarkable, and it became, once more, an economic powerhouse, who continued to fear despite all the North African cityRomans' efforts. Moreover<ref>Miles, they believed that it was re-building in secret its navyRichard. There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that the Carthaginian shipyards were secretly building large war galleys despite the treatyCarthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization (London, Allen Lane, 2010), p. 45</ref>

MoreoverThis alarmed some of the Senators, many who were the ruling elite in Italy were covetous of the famously rich agricultural lands of Carthage and its trade networkcity on the Tiber. By 151 BC there was a general agreement among Many had fought in the Roman elite Second Punic War and knew that a final confrontation with their great rivals was inevitable Rome had come close to defeat and even desirablepossible extinction at Hannibal's hands. The Numidians invaded Carthaginian lands and distinguished senator Cato the Elder demanded that ‘Carthage must be destroyed’ at the North Africa city-state engaged end of every speech he made in a brief warthe Senate. <ref> Appian, History of Rome claimed that under the treaty that the city , v, iii</ref> However, many Romans did not want war as they had come to obtain its permission to wage war and that thereby rely upon Carthage had broken the peace agreement. The Senate declared war on their old enemies in 149AD's payments.

Carthage tried to appease Rome, but the Roman Senate == What was committed to war. The Romans landed in modern Tunisia and they conquered Carthage’s outposts, and defeated its army and besieged the city. Third Punic War? The ever-resourceful Punic population turned their metropolis into a fortress, and they resisted many fierce assaults from the legions==[[File: Carthage. Such was the stubbornness png|250px|thumbnail|left|Modern map of the defense of the inhabitants that many in Rome feared that they would have to abandon the siege.Carthage before its destruction 146 BC]]

EventuallyBy 151 BC, the legionnaires acclaimed Scipio Aemilianus as their leader, and he changed Carthaginians had fully repaid the indemnity imposed on them by the course victors of the siegeZama.<ref> Miles, p 345</ref> He built a mole The oligarchy that cut ruled the besieged city from believed that the sea and soon treaty was now expired. This development alarmed Rome, who continued to fear the defenders' supplies ran lowNorth African city. In desperationMoreover, they believed that it was re-building in secret its navy. There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that the Carthaginians began to carry out Carthaginian shipyards were secretly building large numbers of human sacrifices to enlist the support of war galleys despite the Gods in their hour of needtreaty.

Moreover, many in Italy were covetous of Carthage's famously rich agricultural lands and its trade network. By 151 BC, there was a general agreement among the Roman elite that a final confrontation with their great rivals was inevitable and even desirable. The Numidians invaded Carthaginian lands, and the North Africa city-state engaged in a brief war. Rome claimed that under the treaty, the city had to obtain its permission to wage war and that Carthage had broken the peace agreement. The Senate declared war on their old enemies in 149AD.  Carthage tried to appease Rome, but the Roman Senate was committed to war. The Romans landed in modern Tunisia, and they conquered Carthage’s outposts, defeated its army, and besieged the city. The ever-resourceful Punic population turned their metropolis into a fortress, and they resisted many fierce assaults from the legions. Such was the stubbornness of the inhabitants' defense that many in Rome feared that they would have to abandon the siege. Eventually, the legionnaires acclaimed Scipio Aemilianus as their leader, and he changed the siege course.<ref> Miles, p 345</ref> He built a mole that cut the besieged city from the sea, and soon, the defenders' supplies ran low. In desperation, the Carthaginians began to carry out large numbers of human sacrifices to enlist the support of the Gods in their hour of need.  In the Spring of 146 BC, Scipio launched a daring attack on the city walls of the city and seized a section of it. This seizure enabled his army to enter Carthage. There was vicious street fighting , and either side gave no quarter was given by either side.<ref>Appian, 130, 132</ref> After nearly a week , the Romans seized the city, and the Carthaginians surrendered. Many of the city’s inhabitants refused to surrender, and they committed suicide in mass by flinging themselves into the many fires in the devastated city.<ref>Appian, 130, 133</ref> It is estimated nearly all of the surviving population was sold into slavery by Rome. Carthage , once the greatest city of the Western Mediterranean , was a ruin.

====Why did the defeat of Carthage make Rome masters the naval power of the Mediterranean==? ==[[File: Carthage two.jpg|200px250px|thumbthumbnail|left|Ruins of Carthage today]] Carthage had always been a great maritime power and dominated the trade networks of the Mediterranean. Even after their defeat in the Second Punic warWar, they remained a formidable naval power.<ref>Goldsworthy, Adrian The Fall of Carthage (London, Cassel Military Paperbacks, 2010), p. 178</ref> Their naval technology was much more advanced than the Romans. While the Carthaginian navy was limited by the terms of the treaty that ended the Second Punic War, they could quickly build a powerful fleet of ships.<ref> Miles, p. 355</ref>  Moreover, the Carthaginians were expert traders and talented businessmen, and even after the loss of their possessions in Spain, they continued to trade extensively in Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Many Roman merchants resented this, and they actively lobbied for the war against the North African city. The defeat of Carthage allowed Rome to become the greatest naval power in the Mediterranean. Their control was unchallenged for almost 700 years until the Germanic invasion of the 5th century AD.<ref>Scullard, H. H. From the Gracchi to Nero: A History of Rome from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68 (New York, Routledge, 1968), p. 167</ref>  The control of the sea was essential to the growth of Rome. It gave it naval supremacy and allowed Italian merchants to dominate the sea’s trade routes, which significantly enriched the Republic. The destruction of their enemy allowed Rome to become the unchallenged power in the Mediterranean. == What did Rome do to North Africa after it conquered Carthage? ==In legend, the Romans wanted to eradicate everything Carthaginian, so much so that they sowed salt on its soil to make it a desert. This did not happen, and this legend was a 19th-century fabrication. The Romans were too pragmatic for that, and instead, they declared the lands around the ruins of the great Punic city to be public lands. They encouraged Italian settlers to farm this land, and much of it was also distributed to local farmers. The victors turned the area into a province and called it Africa. This eventually became the name of the entire continent.  The Romans appointed a governor to the new province, and they made Utica the capital. The large Punic population in the area was left alone if they were peaceful and paid their taxes. Julius Caesar later rebuilt Carthage, and it became one of the great cities of the Empire and a cultural and artistic center. The province of Africa became partially Romanized over the centuries. The Punic culture of Carthage survived in the area for many centuries, possibly until the Arab conquests.

MoreoverOver a period of decades, the Carthaginians were expert traders and talented businessmen Romans expanded from Tunisia and even after dominated the loss entire coastline of their possessions in Spain they continued to trade extensively in North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean. Many Roman merchants resented this, They first conquered Numidia (Algeria) under Marius and they actively lobbied for the war against the North African city. The defeat of Carthage allowed Rome to become the greatest naval power eventually established a client kingdom in the Mediterranean. Their control was unchallenged for almost 700 years until the Germanic invasion of the 5th century ADpresent-day northern Morocco.<ref>Scullard, H. H. From the Gracchi to Nero: A History of Rome from 133 B.C. to A.D. 68 (New York, Routledge, 1968), p. 167189</ref> The victory over Carthage allowed Rome to dominate the North African coastline from the Sinai to Morocco.

The control == How North Africa become the breadbasket of Rome? ==Rome's population grew rapidly in the sea second century BC, and many Roman feared that food production would be insufficient. This shortage could limit Rome's growth or lead to social unrest. The vast city was essential to placing an intolerable burden on the growth agricultural resources of Italy. One of the reasons Romeinitiated the Third Punic War was to seize Carthage's rich farmlands. It The Carthaginians were not only gave it naval supremacy it just great mariners and traders but also allowed Italian merchants to dominate the sea’s trade routes and this significantly enriched the Republicaccomplished farmers. The destruction Romans' seizure of the lands of their enemy enemies was significant. It allowed Rome them to become the unchallenged power in the Mediterraneansecure grain for their ever-expanding population.

==Roman Africa==In legend the Romans wanted to eradicate everything Carthaginian, so much so that they sowed salt on its soil to make it a desert. This did not happen, and it is only a 19th century fabrication. The Romans were too pragmatic for that and instead they declared the lands around the ruins of the great Punic city to be public lands. They encouraged Italian settlers to farm this land and much of it was also distributed to local farmers. The victors turned the area into a province and called it Africa. This eventually became the name of the entire continent. The Romans appointed a governor to the new province and they made Utica the capital. The large Punic population in the area was left alone if they were peaceful and paid their taxes. Julius Caesar later rebuilt Carthage and it became one of the great cities of the Empire and a cultural and artistic centre. The province of Africa became partially Romanized over the centuries. The Punic culture of Carthage survived in the area for many centuries, possibly until the Arab conquests. Over a period of decades, the Romans expanded from Tunisia and came to dominate the entire coastline of North Africa. They first conquered Numidia (Algeria), under Marius and eventually established a client kingdom in present-day northern Morocco<ref> Scullard, p. 189</ref>. The victory over Carthage allowed Rome to dominate the North African coastline from the Sinai to Morocco. ==Roman Food Supply==The population of Rome was growing rapidly in the second century BC and many feared that a lack of food could limit its growth or lead to social unrest. The vast city was placing an intolerable burden on the agricultural resources of Italy. One of the reasons why Rome initiated the Third Punic War was to seize the rich farmlands of Carthage. The Carthaginians were not just great mariners and traders but also accomplished farmers. The Romans seizure of the lands of their enemies was very important, it allowed them to secure grain for their ever-expanding population. The climate in North Africa in Antiquity was much wetter than today , and it was excellent for the growing of grains such as wheat. The Province of Africa was to become became the breadbasket of the Roman Empire for many centuries. Over a this period, the Annonae system was established and this was allowed the free distribution of grain to Roman citizens.<ref>Erdkamp, Paul The Cambridge Companion to Ancient Rome. United Kingdom (Cambridge, Cambridge University Press, 2000), p 213</ref>. Most of this grain came from the province of Africa and the former territories of Carthage. The conquest of the former lands of their bitter enemies ' former lands allowed them to a develop a secure and cheap food source for the city. This allowed the economy to grow in Rome and helped to maintain social stability in the sprawling metropolis for over seven centuries. ==Conclusion==The rivalry between Rome and Carthage was one of the greatest in Antiquity if not in all of history. The victory of the Romans in the Third Punic War was total and led to the disappearance of the Carthaginian State. This was very important in the rise of Rome and helped it to become the superpower in the Mediterranean. The destruction of Carthage allowed Rome to become the only significant naval power in the sea and this was essential in the growth and maintenance of its Empire. The control of the Mediterranean allowed the Roman Republic to dominate trade and this allowed it to grow rich. The victory of Scipio Aemilianus led to the establishment of the province of Africa and this in turn eventually led to conquest of extensive North African territories. The destruction of the great city of Carthage, in 146 BC marks a new phase in the history of Rome. Without a serious rival the Romans would expand their Empire greatly and dominate much of Europe, the Near East and North Africa for centuries. ==Recommended Reading==Lennox Manton, Roman North Africa (London, Batsfords Ltd, 1988).

Monique Seefried Brouillet, From Hannibal == Conclusion ==The rivalry between Rome and Carthage was one of the greatest in Antiquity. The Romans' victory in the Third Punic War was total and led to Saint Augustine: Ancient Art the disappearance of the Carthaginian State. The destruction of North Africa from Carthage was critical in Rome's rise and helped it become the Musee du Louvre (Parissuperpower in the Mediterranean. The destruction of Carthage allowed Rome to become the only significant naval power in the sea, Musee du Louvrewhich was essential in the growth and maintenance of its Empire. The control of the Mediterranean allowed the Roman Republic to dominate trade, 1994)allowing it to grow rich.

Goldsworthy, Adrian The Fall victory of Scipio Aemilianus also led to the establishment of the province of Africa and eventually led to the colonization of North African territories. The destruction of the great city of Carthage (London, Cassel Military Paperbacksin 146 BC, marks a new phase in the history of Rome. Without a dangerous rival, the Romans would expand their Empire and dominate Europe, the Near East, 2010)and North Africa for centuries.

====Recommended Reading====* Lennox Manton. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1852640073/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1852640073&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=015313bd9c5f538aae3b499e22ad3a56 Roman North Africa]</i> (London, Batsfords Ltd, 1988).* Monique Seefried Brouillet. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0963816918/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0963816918&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=bd420e880398b6814ab163d7e8633c83 From Hannibal to Saint Augustine: Ancient Art of North Africa from the Musee du Louvre]</i> (Paris, Musee du Louvre, 1994)* Goldsworthy, Adrian. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0304366420/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0304366420&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=a1b1fc40404a8a22ccf0f17e6f5803f4 The Fall of Carthage]</i> (London, Cassel Military Paperbacks, 2010)* Miles, Richard. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004IYJEB0/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004IYJEB0&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=17a12f51960cd506ef1e266206bfbaf0 Carthage Must Be Destroyed: The Rise and Fall of an Ancient Civilization ]</i> (London, Allen Lane, 2010)* Hoyos, Dexter. <i>[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0415436451/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0415436451&linkCode=as2&tag=dailyh0c-20&linkId=650126767aa51995a5a939989255634c The Carthaginians]</i> (London, Routledge, 2010)

Hoyos, Dexter The Carthaginians (London, Routledge, 2010)====References====