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Punic Wars
(2,315 words)

Name given to the three wars between Rome and Carthage (264-241, 218-202 and 149-146 BC), which established Rome’s rise as the leading Mediterranean power and were terminated by the destruction of Carthage.

[German version]

I. The 1st Punic War (264-241)

The 1st PW was ignited by a conflict with Messana [1] standing at its centre. After the death of Agathocles, the ruler of Syracuse, [2] in 278 BC, his discharged Oscan mercenaries, the Mamertini (named after the god of war Ma…

Cite this page
Bringmann, Klaus (Frankfurt/Main), “Punic Wars”, in: Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry. Consulted online on 19 March 2024 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e1014630>
First published online: 2006
First print edition: 9789004122598, 20110510



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