Name:____Key________________
Date:_______________ period:______
The Punic Wars Prequel
264BC-146BC
Rome and Carthage: Friends Forever?
Carthage and Rome had not always been enemies. In the years before 264BC the
two nations had been on friendly terms with one another. The relationship changed,
however, soon after the Greek king, Pyrrhus entered southern Italy.
Pyrrhus had come to help his fellow Greek colonists in the area. He wanted to
oppose the advancing Roman troops. When he realized that his efforts were in vain, he
left Italy and sailed for the island of Sicily. Here, too, Greeks felt threatened—not by
advancing Romans, but by Carthaginians. At the time, Carthage controlled much of
Sicily. When Pyrrhus failed to capture the important Sicilian town of Lilybaeum, he left
the island and soon returned home to Greece.
The Romans were relieved to hear of Pyrrhus’ departure. Rome feared a Greek
victory in Sicily because they thought it might encourage the Greeks in southern Italy to
rebel against Rome. For this reason the Roman senate allied itself with Carthage against
Pyrrhus and the Sicilian Greeks. Now, with Pyrrhus gone, the ties between the two cities
weakened and the stage was set for a much more dangerous conflict.
Directions: Answer the questions in complete sentences.
1. Pyrrhus was the king of Greece. After failing in his efforts to help the Greek colonists
in Southern Italy he tried to help fellow Greeks in Sicily. He was unsuccessful here too.
Once Pyrrhus left with his troops, Rome and Carthage no longer had a common enemy
and so their relationship weakened.
2. Both Rome and Carthage wanted control of the island of Sicily. It was believed that if
they controlled Sicily that they could also control trade on the Mediterranean Sea .
There was a series of political maneuvers as Carthage and Rome tried to take
Sicily. In 264BC, the Romans signed a peace treaty with Hiero, king of the Sicilian city,
Syracuse. The agreement allowed them to use Syracuse as a base of operations. Rome’s
presence on the island upset the long-standing balance of power on the island. The
Carthaginians felt that war was their only choice.
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Section Two: Africa’s Carthage
Directions- Turn to page 7 in the Hannibal vs. Rome book and read Africa’s Carthage.
Then answer the following questions.
1. How did Carthage acquire wealth and prosperity?
Trade
2. List the goods that Carthage traded.
Imports marble, wheat, silver, copper, tin
Exports gold, ebony, incense, myrrh, precious stones, spices, ivory, ostrich feathers
3. What countries did Carthage trade with?
Greece, India, Arabia, Spain, other parts of Africa
Section Three: The First Punic War 264BC-241BC
Directions- Read the Following and complete the finding the finish battle chart.
Carthage had already taken control of Sardinia
and Corsica, two islands to the west of Italy. The
Romans believed that the Carthaginians planned
to extend their rule over all of Sicily. If they did
so, only the narrow Straits of Messina would
separate a foreign, potentially hostile, power from
Roman soil.
The Carthaginians did, indeed, hope to rule all
of Sicily. Their goal, like Rome’s, was control of
the western Mediterranean Sea. They believed
that if they held Sicily, they would be able to
block any possible Greek expansion into these
waters. What followed was a succession of
political and military maneuvers as Carthage and
Rome tried to take Sicily. In 264BC, the Romans
signed a treaty with Hiero, king of the Sicilian
city of Syracuse, that allowed them to use
Syracuse as a base for their operations. Because
Rome’s presence on the island upset the longstanding balance of power, the Carthaginians felt
that war was their only choice.
Consequently, Carthage’s ruler ordered their
generals to recruit mercenaries
Mercenaries are
from Carthaginian settlements in professional soldiers
hired to serve in a
southern Spain and northern
foreign army.
Africa. As their base of operation, the
Carthaginians chose the city of Agrigentum in
southern Sicily.
Over the next several months, battles, sieges,
famine, and disease inflicted heavy losses on
both the Carthaginians and the Romans.
However, when the Romans captured
Agrigentum, Rome’s leader claimed the victory
as proof of their military superiority on land. To
drive Carthage out of Sicily, the Romans
realized they also had to control the sea. This
would be difficult because the people of
Carthage were master shipbuilders and sailors.
Yet, the Romans were determined to beat the
Carthaginians at their own game.
In 260BC, the Romans began…
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Carthage
Soldiers and Military: Mercenaries, strong
navy, master shipbuilders and sailors
Over the first several months of the First
Punic War ___battles__, ___sieges____ ,
__famine__ , and __diseases___ inflicted
heavy losses on both Rome and Carthage.
Base of operations: Agrigentum – city in
southern Sicily
Goal for the war: Maintain control of
Corsica and Sardinia – gain control of
Sicily
Major Battle: Lost a land battle at the battle
of Agrigentum.
Rome
Soldiers and Military:
Strong army/weak navy
Over the first several months of the First
Punic War ___battles__, ___sieges____ ,
__famine__ , and __diseases___ inflicted
heavy losses on both Rome and Carthage.
Base of operations: Syracuse- in the island
of Sicily
Goal for the war: Take control of Corsica,
Sardinia and Sicily
Major Battle: Won a land battle and
captured Agrigentum.
Finding the Invention
The Romans have established their dominance on land but still need to improve their
weak navy. You are an inventor in the Roman army and it is your duty to create an
invention that will bring your army’s land battle skills to the seas. The invention can not
be any type of mechanized weapon (uzi, shotgun, etc.). It must be an invention that is
designed to bring Rome’s army skills to the seas. Be creative and good luck!
Give a brief description of your invention______Will vary__________________________________________________________
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Draw a detailed diagram of your invention
Will vary
Explain why your invention will work.
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The Invention of the Romans
With a little ingenuity, Roman shipbuilders
devised a special boarding plank that had a
large iron spike at one end. They nicknamed it
“the raven” (corvus) because of its shape. In a
sea battle, a Roman ship could now pull
alongside a Carthaginian ship and drop the
plank onto the enemy vessel. The corvus
“grabbed” hold of the enemy ship and locked
the two ships together. Roman soldiers
quickly walked the plank onto the
Carthaginian ship and fought as if on land.
This carving
shows a
typical
trireme. The
crocodile on
the front
suggests
that the ship
was from a
fleet based
on the Nile
River.
Yet the corvus did not bring immediate
victory. Instead, the war raged on and the
number of casualties increased daily. Finally,
after 22 years of fighting, the Romans
reconsidered their options. They could
negotiate a peace settlement with Carthage, or
make one last, all-out effort to win. The
Romans chose the latter. In 241BC, the two
fleets met off the west coast of Sicily. The
Carthaginians lost this decisive battle. They
authorized their commander-in-chief, Hamilcar
Barca (father of Hannibal), to discuss
surrender terms with the Roman commander.
The terms of the treaty required Carthage to
withdraw from Sicily and Sardinia; to pay
3,200 talents of silver; and to return all
prisoners of war. Officially, the first Punic War
had ended. However, the hostility between the
two powers lived on, and the seeds for a future
conflict had been sown.
1. What is the corvus? Explain in complete sentences with detail
The corvus was a special boarding plan that had a large iron spike at one end. IT
allowed Roman soldiers to fight a land battle on the sea.
2. Who won the first Punic Wars? What did the victor of this conflict gain?
The Romans won the first Punic war. Spoils  Carthage withdrawals from Sicily and
Sardinia. Paid 3,200 talents. All POW’s returned
This ship has __5_____ decks of
rowers.
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The Second Punic War
218BC-201BC
Throughout history, the element of surprise has been the key to success for many military
leaders. In the next activity you will be Hannibal the military leader of Carthage. Your mission is
to map out a route of attack against the rulers of the Mediterranean, Rome. On the map below
use a colored pencil to map out your attack route. When you are finished tracing your attack
route you must explain why you chose this as your attack route. Remember that your starting
point is Carthage and you endpoint is Rome.
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Why did you think this attack route will work? (Answer above)
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1. What are the possible rewards and failures of Hannibal’s true attack route?
Possible RewardsThe element of surprise – Hannibal will face less opposition if the Romans aren’t
ready. Locals could be supportive – Soldiers could fall to their death in the alps.
Possible FailuresAttacked by the locals – soldiers and elephants could die – supplies could run out –
10,000 feet – extreme cold 1500 mile journey
2. Can Hannibal make it across the Alps? Explain.
___Will vary_________________________________________________________
Doing the Impossible:
Hannibal Crosses the ALPS
Directions: Read pages 18 – 21 in Hannibal vs. Rome. Then answer the following
questions in complete sentences.
1. What did Hannibal’s army consist of?
90,000 infantry/ 12,000 cavalry- all seasoned African and Spanish soldiers/37 war
elephants
2. How long was Hannibal’s trek to Rome? How long did it take him to reach Rome?
1500 miles/ 5 months
3. Describe some of the problems Hannibal’s army had crossing the Alps.
- lost half his troops and many of his elephants – trouble with supplies – many soldiers
and animals fell to their deaths
4. While Hannibal was passing over the Alps the Roman Army was planning to attack
New Carthage in Spain. Why do you believe they wanted to do this?
Attack new Carthage on the coast of Spain to eliminate supply lines
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Finding the Finish
The Battle of Lake Trasimene
“It was an unusually misty morning,” the Greek historian Polybius wrote, “On
that day in 217 B.C. when Hannibal and his army met the Romans for the first time on
Italian soil.” The Carthaginian general had already fought and defeated the Romans
several times before, but this battle, the battle of Lake Trasimene, was different.
Hannibal was no longer a distant threat. He was now at the very edge of the Roman
territory and only a few days from Rome itself.
Hoping to defeat this army once and for all, the Roman Senate sent two armies,
each commanded by one of their best generals. Flaminius and Geminus were both
experienced leaders.
Several days before the battle, Hannibal made sure that he knew the exact position
of the Roman armies. Then to avoid both, he then took a route that did not pass by either
army. When Flaminius learned that Hannibal’s troops stood between his army Rome, he
ordered his army to pursue Hannibal. “Are we to stay here while the enemy approaches
our city?” Flaminius exclaimed. At sunrise, he marched his troops along the banks of the
huge lake hoping to find Hannibal…
Directions: Analyze the diagram of Lake Trasimene and complete the following.
X
X
1. Mark an X where Hannibal’s army should attack from.
2. Finding the Finish: Give a brief summary of how the battle ends. Remember to
use the information in the paragraphs above and explanation for your designated
attack point.
Attacked from the hills – it will be unexpected – the fog will disguise the Army – it
will also leave little space for the Roman army to retreat back – they might drown in
the water if pushed back.
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The Battle of Lake Trasimene-The Romans soon came to a spot where the mountains
nearly touched the water. Only a handful of men could march side by side. The mist
from the lake was thick, and the Romans did not see Hannibal’s men hiding behind the
mountain slopes. They saw only the enemy troops ahead of them. The Romans charged.
They thought it was an enemy camp they were about to attack, but it was only a decoy.
At that moment, they heard the Carthaginian trumpets, and suddenly thousands of enemy
soldiers descended upon them from the hills. By noon 15,000 Romans drowned or were
killed in some other way. Ten Romans died for every one Carthaginian.
1. What factors helped Hannibal win the battle against the Romans.
High ground – the element of surprise – fog around the lake – the decoy Carthaginian
camps –hills and mountains that came right up to the lake – less land for the Romans –
they were pushed into the lake and drowned.
The senate was scared of Hannibal and thought that he was invincible. They employed a
new strategy to stop Hannibal. The method was to never fight Hannibal in open battle.
The man whom the Senate elected to carry out this new strategy was Fabius Maximus,
“The Delayer”.
2. How do you think Fabius Maximus could delay Hannibal’s army without engaging
him in open battle?
Fabius followed Hannibal throughout Italy. Whenever Hannibal sacked a town,
Fabius waited until he left and then re-took the town and destroyed the supply
lines.
Teacher will reveal the strategy of Fabius Maximus.
3. Why do you think the strategy of Fabius Maximus bothered the Roman Senate?
It is a strategy that will never win the war, it only delays losing the war.
4. What were the results of “The Delayer’s” strategy?
Hannibal’s armySupply lines were cut off/Made it difficult to feed troops
Roman ArmyRoman army had time to rebuild its army – 80,000 strong
The Battle of Cannae
Finding the Finish
Directions- read the following and analyze the battle formation on the smart board.
Once you have done this find the finish.
Fabius’ strategy, however, bothered the Senate. “Romans should not avoid battle,” they argued. “It
had been a year since the battle of Lake Trasimene, Hannibal is weak, and we have rebuilt our army. It is
now time to face Hannibal.” Fabius objected. “Hannibal has already a third of his army left,” he
explained, “and more of his men have died of hunger than in battle. If you plunge straight into battle,
there will be another and more terrible Trasimene.” The Roman Senate ignored Fabius and elected two
new generals, Paullus and Varro, who, with 80,000 Roman soldiers wanted to fight the Carthaginians.
On August 2, 216BC, the Romans realized the wisdom of Fabius’ strategy. Hannibal sacked the
town of Cannae in southern Italy where the Romans stored wheat and olive oil. The Romans immediately
sent their army to recapture the town. In an open field just outside of the town, the armies met.
The battle began just like most ancient battles. The two armies lined up facing each other and
attacked straight on. Hannibal, however did something different.
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Find the finish- Write a brief summary of how the battle will finish. Then wait for further
instructions. Make sure to explain your ending.
Answers will vary- Usually the best soldiers were at the center of the battle and
those lightly armed stayed on the wings. Hannibal did just the opposite. Only
when the elite Roman troops pushed these soldiers back did they realize that the
elite Carthaginian troops were stationed on the wings and they were surrounded.
Nearly 80,000 Roman troops were killed.
The Battle of Cannae: The End of the Second Punic War
Directions: Read pages 28-29 in Hannibal VS Rome to answer the following questions.
Answer in complete sentences.
1. Who won the Battle of Cannae? Explain in detail.
See previous question
2. Who eventually won the Second Punic War? Explain in detail.
Rome- Scipio, a great Roman war general decided to attack Carthage on the plains of
Zama, just south of Carthage. Hannibal’s army was tired from war (2 years).
Hannibal rushed back to Carthage.
Elephants of War
Directions: Read pages 22-23 in Hannibal vs. Rome, then answer the following
questions in complete sentences.
1. List the many advantages of using elephants in warfare.
- create terror among men and horses alike
- elephants threw foot soldiers to the ground, punctured enemy soldiers or trampled
them
- some elephants were fitted with war boxes (held 3 or 4 arches)
- screaming war elephants freaked out horses.
2. List any disadvantages when using elephants in warfare.
- hard to control if something sets them off
- big targets - could hurt their own troops
- driven mad by the death of the Mahout
- could do as much damage as their own army as the opposing army.
3. Does the US military use any type of weapon that compares to the elephants of
Hannibal’s army?
The Tank
4. List at least 3 strategies that the Romans used to defeat Hannibal’s war elephants.
 Portable minefield- wooden shed with metal spikes pierce elephants feet
 War wagons w flame thrower of long metal tipped spears
 Coated pigs with flammable oil and lit them on fire, set them loose and freaked
out the elephants
 Attach elephants from the side
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The End of Carthage
The Third Punic War 149B.C. -146 B.C.
Directions: Read pages 42-43 in Hannibal VS. Rome and answer the following
questions in complete sentences.
1. Describe the terms of the treaty that ended the second Punic War.
Carthage could not wage war without Rome’s consent, even to defend themselves.
2. What did Carthage do when they were attacked by Masinissa?
Carthage turned to Rome for help. Previous please for aid had gone unanswered and
settled in favor of Masinissa.
3. What ultimatum (final demand) did the Romans give to the Carthaginians?
Leave the city and find a new city inland or remain and fight.
4. Why did Rome decide to attack Carthage?
Rome decided to attack Carthage because they felt threatened by Carthage’s
flourishing trade.
5. Rome won the third Punic War.
6. What actions did the Romans take to ensure that Carthage would never thrive again?
- They burned the city to the ground
- All survivors were enslaved
- They sprinkled salt on the land so nothing would ever grow again
- A curse was invoked against anyone who would try to rebuild the city.
Punic Wars Assessment Review Activity #1
Write the story of the First Punic War using the following people, places, and locations. Use 1-4 in packet to complete this
activity. Your summary will be four paragraphs. Below is a guide that explains which words must be included in these four
paragraphs. All provided words must be underlined. Please only highlight the word the first time it is used in the paragraph.
Structure Guide
The Punic Wars (Pre-war) Paragraph One (use page one of the packet)
Pyrrhus / Greek / Romans or Rome/ Carthage/ Sicily
Paragraph Two- Tension builds between Rome and Carthage (page 2)
Sicily/ Agrigentum / War/ Mediterranean/ Syracuse
Paragraph Three- The First Punic War (page 2 and 3)
Land/ sailors / shipbuilders/ sea / Roman army / famine / disease/ sieges / battles
Paragraph Four- Conclusion to the First Punic War (page 4)
quinqueremes (five levels of rowers)/ corvus / Rome
Activity 2- Short essays on the second Punic War in complete sentences
1. What is the key to success for many military leaders?
2. Describe at least three problems Hannibal’s army had crossing the Alps.
3. What did Scipio and the Roman Army do to win the second Punic War? Explain
why Scipio’s strategy worked.
Activity 3- The Third Punic War
Describe the following1. Define ultimatum.
2. How did the Romans defeat Hannibal’s war elephants?
3. The terms of the treaty that ended the second Punic War.
4. Define Punic. 5. Write a one paragraph summary of the third Punic War.
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