Status Updates From The Fall of Carthage

Final chapter is getting fascinating as Adrian Goldsworthy describes how Rome changed so much during and following these wars. They became the dominant mediterranean power by far, effectively controlling all of Carthage’s old territories.

Scipio the younger sieges Carthage. Carthaginians secretly make a sea canal and send out 50 small ships to attack Roman ships. The Romans suffer some losses but defeat them. The Romans build a “mole” to attack the walls and ramparts. Carthaginians swim out naked with unlit torches and ways to light them and burn roman siege engines, suffering heavy casualties though.

Ch 14 the build up to the third punic war. Rome looked for any excuse to destroy carthage after the 50 year debt was paid. They saw them always as a mortal enemy. Senator Cato stirred up war incentives constantly. Carthage got in a small war with Numidia which prompted Rome to get involved. Rome eventually went up to Carthage and demanded all their military engines. Then ordered the exodus of Carthaginians

Ch 13 rome and carthage after second punic war and before third. Rome fights wars in macedon, greece, anatolia and wins. They subjugate and break apart the macedonian kingdom. Hannibal fixes Carthage’s finances, causing them to be able to fully pay off the roman war debt (which rome refuses). Hannibal and Scipio both go into self exile due to internal politics. Hannibal eats poison during a failed war against Rome

Scipio defeats Hannibal in the crazy battle of Zama, which involved 80 stampeding war elephants. Then he marches on Carthage and forces them to accept humiliating peace deals, effectively subordinating them.

Scipio forces Carthage to negotiate peace terms to end the war, then Hannibal returns, prompting all of Carthage to want to continue the war. In response, Scipio enslaves numerous Carthaginian cities and the Battle of Zama comes up, the ultimate showdown between Scipio and Hannibal.

Scipio cooking Carthage in their home territory

Ch 11 the rise of Scipio done.

Finished Ch 9, Hannibal’s invasion of Italy. He was about 16 years and never lost a battle. Only leaving occupied southern italy after the Romans started invading Africa.

Excellent