Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
The end of the Carthaginian Empire came after the destruction of Carthage in 146 BC, which occurred at the end of the Third Punic War, the final conflict between Carthage and Rome. [8] This took place about 50 years after the end of the Carthaginian presence in Iberia, and the entire empire came under Roman control. [8]
The military of Carthage was one of the largest military forces in the ancient world.Although Carthage's navy was always its main military force, the army acquired a key role in the spread of Carthaginian power over the native peoples of northern Africa and southern Iberian Peninsula from the 6th century BC and the 3rd century BC.
Map of ancient Carthage showing the peninsular location and the lake Tunis below and the lake Arina above. The site of Carthage was likely chosen by the Tyrians for several reasons. It was located in the central shore of the Gulf of Tunis, which gave it access to the Mediterranean sea while shielding it from the region's infamously violent storms.
Under the leadership of the Barcid family, Ancient Carthage expanded its possessions on the Iberian Peninsula from 237 to 218 BC.The First Punic War and the Mercenary War had resulted in an end to Carthage's expansion to the north and in Africa; blocked from their traditional areas of expanse, they now sought to conquer the Iberian Peninsula.
Iberian falcatas. Iberian soldiers were widely employed by Carthage and Rome as mercenaries and auxiliary troops. A large portion of Carthaginian forces during the Punic wars was made up of Iberians and Celtiberians. Iberian warfare was endemic and based on intertribal raiding and pillaging. In set piece battle, Iberians were known to regularly ...
Roman advance through Hispania. Roman and Greek historians agree that most Hispanic peoples were warrior cultures where tribal warfare was the norm. The poverty of some regions, as well as the reigning oligarchy of their populations, drove them to seek resources in richer areas, both by mercenary work and banditry, which generated a convulsed national environment where fighting was the main ...
Despite the withdrawal of Carthage from Hispania, the peninsular custom of mercenary life survived. Between 197 and 195 BC, the Turdetanians employed 30,000 Celtiberians as elite troops during the Iberian revolt, while in 147 BC the Romans themselves sent them unsuccessfully against the Lusitanians led by Viriathus.
The city was one of the most fortified in the area and it would have been a poor move to leave such a stronghold in the hands of the enemy. Hannibal was also looking for plunder to pay his mercenaries, who were mostly from Africa and the Iberian Peninsula. Finally, the money could be spent on dealing with his political opponents in Carthage.