What Is The Cause Of The Second Punic War?

The second Punic war was between Rome and Carthage; the struggle of Carthage to remain the power house in the western Mediterranean was the major cause of the war. It took place between 218 to 201 B.C. and during his period, cartage lost Spain and the Islands in Italy to Rome, which it was dominating prior to the second Punic war. Rome became vigilant because the Carthage was expanding her territory in the Spanish peninsula; Rome could not stand the chance to lose her grip on power. The Carthaginian followed the rules the treaty under Hamilcar who was her leader and a soldier until he passed away. Hasdrubal lead the people before Hamilcar’s young son lead the Carthaginian army in Spain (221 B.C.). Under Hannibal, the Carthaginian attacked and conquered Saguntum who were ally to Rome, this triggered war between Rome a Hannibal who was fierce and powerful. Hannibal, his army and elephant crossed the dangerous Alps against all odds to fight Roman troops in Italy; the battle was intense and the Carthaginians were victorious in defeating the Roman troops in Ticinus, Trebia, and Trasmene. (History.com). The worst happened when Hannibal defeated the Roman armies in Cannae in 216 B.C.
Rome went on to defeat Hannibal and his armies in Zama and in North Africa. The Carthaginians were forced to lay back and defend their hometown of Carthage in North Africa. After Rome became victorious, the second Punic war was brought to an end. The Carthaginian loss their empire in the western Mediterranean. As part of the defeat, the Carthaginians were to surrender all their lands in Spain and Italy, Carthage was also instructed to pay annual tribute for the next fifty years, and not to go into war without the concept of the Romans. (Morey, 1901). All these were the outcome of the second Punic