User:MeowMeow SpaceTiger/sandbox

First Punic War
The Punic Wars were a series of three conflicts fought between Rome and Carthage, with limited participation from other regional powers. The First Punic War, which began in 264 BCE and lasted for twenty-four years, was the result of many complex factors, the most important being the tensions stemming from overlapping imperial ambitions in the Mediterranean.

Second Punic War
The Second Punic War, lasting from 218 to 201 BCE, was kickstarted by the famed Carthaginian general, Hannibal. Upon receiving command of Carthaginian forces in Spain, Hannibal besieged the Roman-allied city of Saguntum. While his motives are unclear, Hannibal may have been attempting to reassert Carthaginian strength while Rome was distracted by other campaigns. Rome made demands of Carthage in the aftermath and were rejected, leading to open war. His decision may have been influenced by lasting resentment over the result of the First Punic War and the teachings of his father, Hamilcar Barca, a renowned Carthaginian general who hated Rome and likely made Hannibal swear to always be an enemy of Rome.

Third Punic War
The Third Punic War was the climax of Roman ambition in the region, showcased by their absorption of other neighboring powers like Macedonia in the years leading up to the war. Rome resparked discord using Carthage’s brief conflict against Numidia as justification to declare war.