1-examine the reasons for Rome becoming involved in the first Punic war with Carthage in 264 BC. Consider how far the clash was inevitable, or whether one side could be considered the aggressor. Analyse the reasons for Rome's eventual success.2-'His coureer was a failure but of the most spectacular kind'. Is this a fair assessment of Hannibal? Analyse Hannibal's greatness and also the reasons for his ultimate failure.3-Account for the outbreak of war between Rome and Carthage in 218 BC. Examine how far this second punic War was caused.The Punic wars between Rome and Carthage were as inevitable as the winter. An analogy for these wars could be an ancient cold war where the two superpowers of the Mediterranean namely Rome and Carthage fought for supremacy in an area that was not large enough for them both. Carthage had become Rome's natural enemy by 300 BC. As Rome expanded taking Italy Rome came into contact with the naval city of Carthage and it's empire. The Carthaginians were a people renowned for their seafaring ability and ruthlessness. Having established colonies across the Mediterranean many became famous merchants. To support their growing empire Carthage had to employ mercenary soldiers and conscription to keep their territories well defended. The officers of the armies were all Carthaginian nobles.Early contacts with Rome were through its Etruscan allies, whose ports in Italy had often traded with Carthaginian merchants. An early treaty was made with the new republic, which was more of a quick fix treaty, making sure that each side left the other side and their interests alone. The first Punic War began in 264 BC and lasted for 24 years notable for it's large scale naval battles. It was also Rome's first real experience in naval warfare. With Sicily Rome gained it's first province outside mainland Italy and the first beginnings of it's empire.Rome had become entangled with Carthage earlier in the third century BC when a mutua...
