The Punic Wars

The Punic Wars were three major wars between Rome and Carthage. Carthage was a powerful city in North Africa. The wars lasted over 100 years, from 264 to 146 BCE. Rome eventually won and became the most powerful nation in the Mediterranean world.

Hannibal Crosses the Alps

The most famous event of the Punic Wars was Hannibal's march across the Alps. The Carthaginian general brought elephants and a huge army over the mountains into Italy. He won many battles against Rome. But he could not capture the city of Rome itself.

Rome Wins

In the end, Rome defeated Carthage in all three wars. After the third Punic War, the Romans destroyed the city of Carthage completely. They burned it to the ground in 146 BCE. Rome now controlled the entire Mediterranean Sea and became a superpower.

Fun Facts

• Hannibal brought about 37 war elephants over the Alps to fight the Romans.
• The three Punic Wars spanned over 100 years.
• After destroying Carthage, the Romans are said to have salted the earth so nothing would grow there.

Did You Know?

The word "Punic" comes from the Latin word for Phoenician, because the people of Carthage came from Phoenicia.