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264 BC: The Start of the First Punic War

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264 BC: The Start of the First Punic War

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The First Punic War begins as Rome and Carthage vie for control over Sicily. This long and costly conflict marks the beginning of Rome's expansion beyond the Italian Peninsula.

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In this naval battle, the Roman fleet achieves a decisive victory against Carthage, employing the innovative corvus boarding device, which allows Roman soldiers to board enemy ships more easily.

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After 23 years of fighting, the First Punic War concludes with Rome victorious. Carthage is forced to cede Sicily to Rome, marking Rome's first province outside the Italian Peninsula.

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The legendary Carthaginian general, Hannibal Barca, invades Italy through the Alps, starting the Second Punic War. His daring march brings elephants and a formidable army into Roman territory.

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Hannibal achieves one of the most celebrated tactical victories in military history at Cannae, encircling and decisively defeating a much larger Roman army.

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The Second Punic War comes to an end at the Battle of Zama, where Roman general Scipio Africanus defeats Hannibal. This victory solidifies Rome's dominance over the western Mediterranean.

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Triggered by Rome's fears of Carthaginian resurgence, the Third Punic War results in the complete destruction of Carthage. Rome razes the city to the ground, marking the end of Carthage as a major power.

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After a prolonged siege, Rome finally captures Carthage. The city's inhabitants are killed or sold into slavery, and the territory becomes the Roman province of Africa.