Cyber Day; Post 23
Today as we took extensive notes on slides 23-31, we were also informed to keep several questions in mind. Those being where, how, why, and who fought in the Punic Wars, the focal point of today's lesson. Further, as our slides had discussed, Hannibal was to be mentioned as he had a large impact upon these dreadful wars. As I'll be focusing more on the Punic Wars as a whole, I will be breaking down the wars into the following categories: How, Where, Why, and Who. Also, there will be a personal analysis category. These categories and their respective content is listed below:
How?
The first of three Punic Wars was ignited after the Romans had interfered with their intimidating navy around the Carthaginian held island of Sicily. This initial war was won by Rome, though neither side was likely prepared for the future consequences of such conflict. Carthage then attacked with the help of Hannibal from the north side of Rome even though Carthage lied off the coast of Northern Africa! While strategically smart, this move did very little as Hannibal never reached Rome after 15 entire years. Following that second quarrel, Rome decided it was time to stop living in fear of Carthage's attacks, hence they ruthlessly attacked Carthage hoping to likely send a message of Roman dominance. Carthage burned for 17 excruciating days and most of the infrastructure had been destroyed by more Roman troops. In this time, as one would assume, Rome profited off of the destruction of Carthage by selling the remaining souls into slavery following the commencement of the burning. This unfortunately included 50,000 Carthaginians which had no had there every right stripped away.
Where?
Starting with the moderately sized island of Sicily, Roman forces and Carthage went head to head, though neither necessarily belonged there. Rather, Carthage was predominately located on the northern tip of the African Continent (which would be revoked following the war, going into Roman possession). While Roman forces originated from, you guessed it, Rome. Both of which had their own advantages, but the wars which took place usually lasted for quite a while given how far apart they were located. Further, when Hannibal has attacked Rome, rather than going from the southern coastline, he invaded from the northwest coastline, surprising Roman forces. Yet, his attack was useless as he never got to Rome in his fifteen fighting years.
Why?
As previously discussed, the Punic Wars began out of retaliation to Roman forces around the Carthaginian held island of Sicily. Given the island was quite large, the attacks pushing Rome back may have been justified, yet the future of both civilizations would be at risk for the next century.
Who?
Throughout the Punic Wars, a number of figures have been presented on both sides of the feud. Most notably, Hannibal, who often rode on an elephants back, attacked Rome from their northern coast rather than attacking their southern coastline. Following that attack (which was rather unsuccessful) Rome prepared several generals and a surplus of troops to attack, burn, and destroy Carthage. Among these generals are: Scipio, Tiberius, and Gracchus, some of the greatest military leaders of their time.
Personal Analysis
Based on the warfare tactics which Rome had utilized throughout the Punic Wars (intimidation, absolute destruction, etc.) I often find myself comparing them to the likes of Sparta. While that may be an exaggeration, today's lesson really enlightened me to the dangerous reality which Rome had shown throughout its significant history. That being said, I imagine as we explore more in regards to Rome, we'll find more about their spirit, personality, and culture. As of now, I find that they're a mix of both Athens and Sparta. I make this correlation because of their calm nature which had been shown through their immense architecture as well as their fighting spirit which was shown through their various war tactics.
Works Cited:
With that said, I conclude my 23rd Cyber Day Post. Stay safe and take care everybody!
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