Roman Legion/Punic Wars

    Today in class we discussed Roman war tactics and the Punic Wars. In the Roman legion, there were 5000 soldiers, and were the most elite soldiers. They had calvary on horseback and had weapons like shields, swords, daggers, and an armor and tunic. The Punic Wars were Rome vs. Carthage and lasted from 264-146 BCE. There were three wars. The First Punic War lasted from 264-241 BCE. There were many naval battles to gain control over the island of Sicily. Rome won this battle. The Second Punic War was from 218-201 BCE. A 29-year-old Carthaginian general attacked Rome from the north and almost took it. He laid a siege for 15 years, but could never get to Rome. Rome won this one as well. The third and final Punic War was between 149-146 BCE. Rome was done with Carthage and wanted to remove the threat of them. Merciless Romans attacked the city and burned it for 17 days. Other cities and buildings were destroyed as well. Carthage's territories were annexed into the Roman province of Africa.