Print this page The Punic Wars: Rome, Carthage and the Struggle for the Mediterranean

For more than a century, Rome and Carthage fought a series of conflicts that would determine the future of the Mediterranean world. This course examines the three Punic Wars, from the early struggle for control of Sicily to the final destruction of Carthage in 146 BCE. Participants will explore the political, military and economic forces that drove the conflict and learn about two of history's most celebrated military leaders: Hannibal of Carthage and Scipio Africanus of Rome. Topics include Hannibal's famous crossing of the Alps, the major campaigns on land and sea, and the long-term consequences of Rome's victory. The course places military events within their broader historical context and considers how these wars helped shape the emergence of Rome as a dominant ancient power.

Suitable for anyone interested in ancient history, military history or classical civilisation.

DELIVERY MODE

Hybrid (Face to face and online simultaneously)

COURSE RESOURCES

• Adrian Goldsworthy, "The Fall of Carthage".

COURSE OUTLINE

• Competition over Sicily. Moves and counter=moves to control Sicily and everything west of it. A fight between emerging Rome and established Carthage
• Hannibal and the war with Scipio Africanus. Fought on Roman and Carthaginian soil, as well as in Spain, this long, drawn-out war of attrition would decide if Rome was going to dominate the Mediterranean. It involved Hannibal's famous invasion with his army of elephant-borne soldiers and the desperate battle to save Italy.
• Defeated but not out, Carthage withdrew to Africa, but the Romans were long on memory and ambition. Carthage had to go if Rome was to expand and flourish.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

• Understand the development of Rome up until the middle of the 3rd century BC that brought her into competition with Carthage
• Understand the place of Carthage in the Mediterranean before the growth of Rome
• Become familiar with the politics and military capabilities of both antagonists over this 100-year period
• Define the driving forces in both sides that led them to fight on for so long, knowing that only one would survive intact
• Understand the course of events and the processes that led to the final outcome