First Punic Wars: Trace How Carthage Become A Naval Power

561 Words3 Pages

Trace how Carthage became almost the equal of Rome. Be sure to show the strength of both and how this conflict led to Rome becoming a naval power.

Introduction

The paper will analyze the two main powerful forces of Mediterranean: Rome and Carthage. How they became rivals in the hegemony of the Mediterranean and the early events of the First Punic War between B.C. 264 to 241. Finally, we will state how Romans affirmed their supremacy becoming a naval power.

Body

Founded in 814 BCE, Carthage soon exposed its potential. It started expanding its jurisdiction all around conquering many regions. In the nearest years of the First Punic War, it had conquered the actual area of Morocco and Egypt, Malta, the Balearic Islands, up to the coasts of …show more content…

This was unacceptable for a great city like Rome, determined to become the greatest power above others. Anyway, initially, the "Urbe" found several difficulties as the Carthaginian navy was more effective, stronger, and powerful. Carthage fought with the "Quinqueremes", special ships with five rows of oars (instead of three as the "Triremes", the ship mostly used until that moment). As stated before, the conquest of Sicilian' coasts signed the beginning of the Roman counterattack leading to the beginning of the First Punic War. Unfortunately, Rome was not able to reclaim Sicily. Being an island already occupied by Carthaginians, its coasts were no longer available and a land expedition was impossible. The only way out for Rome to re-establish its mastership was to compete and defeat the Carthaginian navy and to become a naval power. Romans first thought to copy Carthage's Quinqueremes, after a while, they merged this new "technology" with their ability in melee combat. They invented the "Corvu" a cross between a drawbridge and a spike-equipped plank which permitted Roman soldiers to board enemy ships and to fight like in a land battle. This ultimate invention led Rome to become a no-rivals naval