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The ancient city of Carthage was founded in 814 BC by Phoenician settlers fleeing from the political turmoil in the city of Tyre. Carthage was once one of the most powerful states in the western Mediterranean. It was located on the coast of North Africa near modern day Tunis.
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| Because Carthage had two excellent harbors, the Carthiginans developed into expert ship builders. These ships were used in both trade and war. Because of their successful navy, the Carthiginians dominated the seas and fought for supremacy with the Greeks and the Romans. Carthage battled Greece for over 200 years. It began in the 7th century BC and included both victories and defeats for Carthagae. Carthage eventually won against the Greeks. |
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| The battles with Rome were another story. There were three major wars called the Punic Wars lasting, off and on, from 264 to 146 BCE. The word "Punic" comes from the Latin word for "Phoenician." |
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| The First Punic War began in 264 BC and was fought mainly over control of Sicily. Rome was able to overcome Carthage's superiority at sea when they found an abandoned warship. They recreated it and made an entire navy. Carthage eventually lost this war. Rome took the Carthaginian naval fleet and demanded that Carthage leave Sicily and pay Rome huge amounts of money. |
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| The Second Punic War was the most famous of the three wars. Carthage was angry over the terms of the 1st Punic War. Rome continued to expand into Carthage's territory. War was inevitable. See "Hannibal" for more information on this war. |
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| In spite of having been defeated twice by Rome, Carthage again became powerful and prosperous. Rome hated this, and with the help of her allies, declared war on Carthage again. During the Third Punic War, Rome would not be satisfied to only beat Carthage. After a three year seige, Roman soldiers burned the city, killed or sold the Carthaginians into slavery. The city was said to be sown with salt so that no one could ever live there again. |
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