Rome and Carthage fought in the Punic Wars. The end result was that Rome defeated Carthage and went on to dominate both the western and eastern halves of the Mediterranean. This ultimately led to the establishment of Roman Empire.

The destruction of Carthage was an act of Roman aggression prompted as much by motives of revenge for earlier wars as by greed for the rich farming lands around the city. The Carthaginian defeat was total and absolute, instilling fear and horror into Rome’s enemies and allies.

Siege of Carthage (Third Punic War)

Its name means “new city” or “new town.” Before the rise of ancient Rome, Carthage was the most powerful city in the region because of its proximity to trade routes and its impressive harbor on the Mediterranean. At the height of its power, Carthage was the center of the Phoenician trade network.

How did the Romans treat the people they conquered? Rome treated their defeated enemies with justice. The conquered people had to acknowledge Roman leadership, pay taxes, and supply soldiers for the Roman army. In return, Rome let them keep their customs, money and local government.

Fustuarium or bastinado — Following a court-martial sentence for desertion or dereliction of duty, the soldier would be stoned, or beaten to death by cudgels, in front of the assembled troops, by his fellow soldiers, whose lives had been put in danger.

The Romans were not content with conquering land near to them. They realised that land further away might also have riches in them that would make Rome even more wealthy. Hence their drive to conquer Western Europe.

Rome let conquered people keep their own customs, money, and government. Others became partial citizens, and these people were allowed to marry Romans and carry on trade in Rome. In return, conquered people had to pay taxes, acknowledge Roman leadership, and supply soldiers for the army.

Bribing local leaders. The Romans were able to hold on to so much of their territory, and maintain political unity because the elites within the regions they conquered were often offered a slice of the pie so long as they followed the rules. And the Romans always made sure that the local leader was loyal.

The Roman army helped the Roman empire expand and conquer large areas of land. The soldiers were well-trained and disciplined. Many soldiers were Roman citizens and were known as legionaries. This training combined with having the most advances equipment at the time made the Roman army really powerful.

Lucius Siccius Dentatus

Julius Caesar

Roman history contains many famous people including Augustus the first emperor, Julius Caesar, Caligula, and Nero. Julius Caesar was born on July 13 100 B.C. He was a great soldier and general. He helped to take over new land for the Roman Empire.

Tiberius