Carthage

In Aeneid, Dido’s homeland, conflict there provided a mythic background for future problems; Rome’s enemy in the Punic Wars; Strong sea power; horrified by Rome’s willingness to sacrifice for victory; eventually overcome by Rome; Carthage was located in North Africa; governed as a republic; by third century B.C.E. Carthage controlled portions of the northwest African coastal territories, part of Libya, Sardinia , Corsica, Malta, and the southern parts of Spain; Because of its location, it was inevitable that Rome would conflict with Carthage’s interests as Rome expanded; Carthaginians had to hire mercenaries to sustain any sort of significant infantry power, but dominated the sea; Carthage was considered a threat to Roman security, and was also wealthy, which made it an appealing enemy to conquer; Social differences, such as the Carthaginian practice of child sacrifice, further split the two cultures; The potential conflict realized itself when a group of mercenaries in Messana, on Sicily’s northeastern point, pleaded both with Rome and Carthage to help them. Both empires responded to the plea, and a battle ensued over the province. This began the First Punic War. Carthage remained Rome’s enemy from the beginning of the First Punic War (264 B.C.E.) until the end of the Third Punic War (146 B.C.E.) when Carthage was finally destroyed. The Punic Wars are discussed in more detail on their corresponding page.

When--Founded by Phoenicians in 9th century BCE, became major Mediterranean naval power in the 6th century BCE