Why Did Rome Become A Naval Power

Greek and Roman History 1421
Professor Bob Chambers
Linda Brown
Student ID
S105259
Written Assignment #5

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:
We will discuss how Carthage almost became an equal power to Rome and we will show the strength of both countries and how this led to Rome becoming a naval power. It is noted, that Carthage is an African country and was located in the country where the beginning of civilization started. So I would add this is where Rome got it’s culture and form of government from. Romans traveled to Africa all the time and studied in their schools and conducted trade from the Carthaginians. But it was inevitable that a war would break out between the two and it seems Rome was the winner and the winner always writes history so we are going to discuss what the text talks about how Rome’s victory came about.

Body:
Carthage and Rome had similar strengths.
Rome virtually had overtaking most of Italy but Carthage was it’s first challenge to a World power. Carthage did business with all merchants all over the world. It was well known. Carthage had a great navy and Rome had great citizens and a great fighting army that was the strongest of it’s kind. Carthage was wealthy and Rome had a well functioning government. Rome wanted to expand. It was growing in power and was taking over neighboring states in Italy. Carthage had the northwestern part of Italy. This is how Rome got involved in the Punic War and led to it’s first defeat of
Carthage.

The Punic War. This war broke out because the Carthaginians had occupied the northwestern parts of Sicily. The Syracuse King had owned the southwestern part but the third part was under control of the Companions who were under the control of the King of Syracuse. Well, the companions seized the surrounding countryside and the King of Syracuse attacked them. Feeling the need for help he needed to petition either Rome or Carthage. He decided to petition Rome. Rome accepted to keep the King from forming an alliance with Carthage. This alliance prevented Carthage from seizing this part of Sicily. This was the first Punic War. Rome won this war and set out to take over all of Italy. The second part of the war is where Messana and Agrigentum were eventually captured by Rome by making an alliance with the King of Syracuse. After winning these two territories Rome turned it’s attention to the sea where Carthage had dominated.
Carthage had advanced ships at that time. Rome needed to upgrade in order to keep up with Carthage so they would be a match for them on the sea. Rome had three oars capacity while Carthage had 5 oar capacity. Rome made adjustments and copied the Carthaginians and built over a 100 ships in 2 months time and trained their officers to be sailors and later beat The Carthaginians on the sea. The Romans added a draw board that let them board another’ ship and this helped the Romans win. Conclusion:
As we can see, Rome was a fast growing empire and learned to adapt well. That’s what led to them beating Carthage. Rome was expanding and wanted to conquer the world more than just Italy. It’s winning the fight over Carthage proved them to be a world super power. Rome had a great functioning government which is the birthplace of Democracy. Rome set the stage for which the blueprint of America is drawn.

References:
http://www.forumromanum.org/history/morey14.html