Why Did Carthage Participate In The First Punic Wars?

The history of Carthage comes from centuries of colonization and trading with Tyre or today known as

Lebanon. The trading routes and throughout the Mediterranean became a source of exploration, but a source

of influence and power. The rivalry between Rome and Carthage focused on expansion by one and the

resistance to domination of the other. The use of naval forces became a deciding factor in the First Punic

War.

As a trading city, traders who used sailing routes throughout the Mediterranean settled Carthage. The

trading routes along with shipping and sailing expertise became a source of future colonies, and conflict

between the Roman Empire. The government of Rome and Carthage had similarities from magistrates,

council of elders, and an assembly. The main
The ensuing treaties provided wealth and influence

along with the Roman Empire. The dividing factor for Rome a, well-organized political system, Morey, W.C.

(1901) and a citizenship that had a passion for democracy. Carthage had a wealth of commercial resources,

with individual focused on personal interests with sense of duty.

The military strength of both Carthage and Rome had similar numbers when comparing soldiers, and

cavaliers. The idea of Roman “Citizen” was major difference in how soldiers participated in each army. In the

Carthage, the army comprised of mercenaries and troops from governed subjects in Northern Africa, and the

Mediterranean. Their loyalties and purpose for fighting was not unified like their counterparts. A benefit for

Carthaginian was military leaders were selected for knowledge and ability unlike selection from Roman civil

magistrates. Due to the history of commercial trading by sea, the Carthage initially had a powerful navy and

tactical advantage, which Rome did not.

In the initial conflict between Carthage and Rome became impossible to avoid due to