Why Did Carthage Become A Naval Power?

Introduction
The history of the Ancient empires, there were various wars and rivalries that existed between Carthage and Rome (Morey, 1901). I will be writing about the trace of how Carthage became as almost as equal as Rome. Therefore, my focus will be on emphasising and showing the strength of both and how this conflict led to Rome becoming a naval power. Rome benefited greatly from the conflict because it became a powerful naval force which I will be exploring further in this written assignment. Rome was already a super power when it had defeated the Latins, Etruscans and Samnites and became a great empire. Carthage is a city located today Tunesia, North Africa. It was originally founded by the Phoenecians also known as the modern day Lebanon.
“According to legend, Carthage was founded by the Phoenician Queen Elissa (better known as Dido) sometime around 813 BCE although, actually, it rose following Alexander's destruction of Tyre in 332 BCE” (Mark, 2018).
“The city (in modern-day Tunisia, North Africa) was originally known as Kart-hadasht (new city) to distinguish it from the older Phoenician city of Utica nearby” (Mark, 2018). Carthage was city consisting of Phoenicians from Tyre, situated in the northern part of Africa which was a popular spot for traders who stopped by for supplies and repair their ships and became a powerful city in the Mediterranean. The city of Carthage had a lot of wealth people living there who owned a lot of possessions. Carthage and Rome’s rise of in opposite locations of the Mediterranean even though they were doing this at the same time. What Carthage became almost as powerful as Rome was it’s an unusual persistent effort and triumph of Hannibal.
Therefore, it obtained most of its powers through contesting Rome as the two cities fought each for over hundred years despite Rome coming over victorious in most battle of Punic wars. Carthage was founded by a tyrant colony similar to Rome as it was the focal centre of the commerce industry and maritime power. Rome on the other hand was not able to defeat the Hannibal but contained him after the defeat during the Zama war were Carthage surrendered to Rome. These conflicts eventually led to Rome becoming a naval power especially when they faced the Carthaginian which was one the toughest battle they had to fight.

Finally, the above highlighted wars made Carthage almost became equal to Rome in terms of strength, dominion and power over its allies and surrounding cities. Carthage engaged in wars with Rome starting from the first, second and third Punic war. Rome defeated Carthage in the last Punic war and the attack went on for threes until Carthage was defeated. Carthage still lies in ruin in modern day Tunisia and remains an important tourist attraction and archaeological site (Mark, 2018)

References
Morey, W. (1901). Outlines of Roman History. Retrieved from http://www.forumromanum.org/history/index.html Mark, J. (2018). Carthage. Retrieved from https://www.ancient.eu/carthage/