The First, Second, Third Punic Wars - Essay Example

The outcome of the wars established the enduring legacy of the Roman Empire as one of the greatest in the whole of history. The influence of the Punic Wars on Western Civilization The Punic Wars were important also for their influence on subsequent diplomatic and military strategies. Many theories pertaining to political and military strategy were conceived and codified during these three wars. These theories continued to be perused by later generations of leaders. The Punic Wars were also important for their impact on cultural and philosophical development in Europe.

Since the Western Mediterranean region was such a cultural and intellectual melting pot, gaining control of it conferred prestige on the Roman Empire. The leaders of the Empire would in turn encourage the growth of arts and culture. It is no coincidence that the rise of the Roman Empire through victories in the Punic Wars happened during the Hellenistic era. It is as if the explosion of art, literature, philosophy, theatre, architecture, music and science in Hellenistic Greece is a response to the ascendency of the Roman Empire through the Punic Wars.

First Punic War: Winner, Loser, Gains and Losses At the beginning of the First Punic War, Rome only possessed a modest navy. On the other hand, Carthage held the most competent and experienced navy in the region. Since Rome can access Sicily only through its navy, Carthage was able to quell its initial forays. Though set back by these early defeats, the Roman military strategists rose to the occasion and started building a substantial fleet of ships to neutralize Carthaginian naval power. This enterprise proved to be a success and eventually Sicily and other contested territories was conceded by Carthage to Rome.

The outcome of the First Punic War established Rome as a considerable imperial power in the Mediterranean region. As part of the reparations, Rome acquired a fair share of Carthage’s wealth, so much so that an indignant Carthaginian leadership would carry its scars into the future. These hurt pride and perceived injustice would be the backdrop for further conflicts between the two empires. Rome and Carthage made several trade pacts after the war and they even agreed to an alliance to suppress King Pyrrhus of Epirus.

As part of the war indemnity, Carthage was asked to release thousands of Roman prisoners of war. Large amounts of silver were also included as reparation. But Carthage’s economy and military were so devastated by the war that it was unable to fulfil its post-war pacts. This led to resentment from Rome and made further wars inevitable. Second Punic War: Winner, Loser, Gains and Losses The Second Punic War followed a similar pattern to that of the first. Although Carthage under the imaginative command of Hannibal made impressive forays into Roman held territory, the superior organization and adaptability of Roman forces eventually proved decisive.

Hannibal’s crossing of Alps with an Elephant-ridden battalion was an impressive feat. Hannibal was able to dominate the country outside Rome on the back of his superior infantry. But the crucial fortress of Rome the city was never to be breached. Acting against Hannibal’s progress was the resolute support Rome received from its allies. Hence Carthage was once again defeated by the superior diplomacy, combat tactics and foresight of Roman leadership. But unlike the First Punic Wa