Carthage was the first foreign opponent came in touch with Rome. Carthage fought a series of war against Rome. Carthage and her rising power always remained fear to Rome though each cases Romans had great victory. Especially, Punic War I, II and III were remarkable wars still memorable in modern days.
Rise of Carthaginian Power
Around 3000 years from now Inhabitants of Phoenicia (Today’s Lebanon) started dominating trade over the Mediterranean (Carthage, n.d.). They discovered and established several sea ports such as: Lixus, Gadir, Sicily, Utica etc. Thus they were able to establish their base in North Africa, Central and Western Mediterranean and up to Spain. Carthage was chosen as an ideal base because of her position in central …show more content…
But soon they tried to increase independently by gaining military and economic power. Unlike kingship, they formed government and had council of elders with People’s Assembly. They had good foreign relation with Etruscans until Rome expelled Etruscan king in 509 BC (Carthage, n.d.).Later they became ally with Persia to defend Greek attack. Mago was the first king of this dynasty succeeded by his son Hasdrubal. Then his successor was Hamilcar who was son of his brother Hanno. Thus Hannonians came in power. After Greek-Persia war in 480 BC, Hamilcar died and his son took over power and ruled up to 440 BC. During this time Carthage explored large area of Africa and Atlantic coast (Carthage, n.d.). Hannonians and their descendants continuously increased economical achievement by trade. It also gave them opportunity to gain military power.
Strength: Carthage vs. Rome If we compare Carthage vs. Rome they were nearly equal based on resources, military, political system etc. Here is the comparison between these two rivals:
Subject Carthage Rome
Wealth Carthage had greater wealth than Rome Less wealth than