Changes

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.

== What were the Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage? ==

Rome and Carthage came into conflict in the First Punic War of 264-241 BCE. They fought for the control of Sicily. The Romans, after a brutal struggle, emerged victoriously and gained possession of the island. 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 Rome faced.<ref> Chris Scarre, "The Wars with Carthage," The Penguin Historical Atlas of Ancient Rome (London: Penguin Books, 1995), pp 24–25</ref>

== What was the Third Punic War? ==

By 151 BC, the Carthaginians had fully repaid the indemnity imposed on them by the victors of Zama. The oligarchy that ruled the city believed that the treaty was now expired. This development alarmed Rome, who continued to fear the North African city. Moreover, they believed that it was re-building in secret its navy. There is some archaeological evidence to suggest that the Carthaginian shipyards were secretly building large war galleys despite the treaty.

== Why did the defeat of Carthage make Rome the naval power of the Mediterranean? ==

Carthage had always been a great maritime power and dominated the trade networks of the Mediterranean. Even after their defeat in the Second Punic War, 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>

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 became the breadbasket of the Roman Empire for centuries. Over this period, the Annonae system was established and 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 their bitter enemies' former lands allowed them to develop a secure and cheap food source for the city. This allowed the economy to grow in Rome and maintain social stability in the sprawling metropolis for over seven centuries.

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 the disappearance of the Carthaginian State. The destruction of Carthage was critical in Rome's rise and helped it become the superpower in the Mediterranean. The destruction of Carthage allowed Rome to become the only significant naval power in the sea, which was essential in the growth and maintenance of its Empire. The control of the Mediterranean allowed the Roman Republic to dominate trade, allowing it to grow rich.