The First Punic War was one of 3 wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 B.C.E through 146 B.C.E.
The First Punic war began in 264 B.C.E, and the main cause was for control over the island of Sicily. Before the war began, Carthage and Rome were at peace and have even signed peace treaties in the past. However, with Rome becoming more aggressive during the Magna Graecia, the citizens of Carthage found that they had to defend themselves against the Romans.
Carthaginians were particularly interested in keeping their hold over Sicily, which was a long-desired territory and a cultural melting pot at the time. It was in a good location, and Carthage has been competing with Greek City-States for its control. Only until after a while did the island draw attention to the Romans, who decided that Sicily would be the perfect place to begin expanding their empire.
The longest war up until that time, most of the First Punic war was fought at Sicily or in the immediate waters. Both teams suffered disastrous losses or celebrated victorious wins. The Romans quickly accustomed to the necessities of the Naval war, and in conclusion, the Romans prevailed. On March 10th, 241 B.C.E, the Romans defeated a Carthaginian fleet and more than 50 Carthaginian ships were sunk. It wasn’t Carthage’s biggest loss, but it led to peace once again. Until…
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