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As a result, the Romans were initially at a disadvantage against the more experienced Carthaginians. To counter this, the Romans introduced the corvus, a bridge 1.2 metres (4 feet) wide and 11 metres (36 feet) long, with a heavy spike on the underside, which was designed to pierce and anchor into an enemy ship's deck. [62]
It lasted 14 years and ended with Roman victory, ensuring that Rome was the dominant power in the Mediterranean basin, while Carthage's influence shrunk to its city and environs. The Third Punic War was started in 151 BCE by Rome on a pretext after Carthage broke a treaty with Rome, and resulted in the complete destruction of the city of Carthage.
The Carthaginians hoped to appease the Romans, but despite the Carthaginians surrendering all of their weapons, the Romans pressed on to besiege the city. The Roman campaign suffered repeated setbacks through 149 BC, only alleviated by Scipio Aemilianus, a middle-ranking officer, distinguishing himself several times. A new Roman commander took ...
[3] [4] His works include a now lost manual on military tactics, [5] but he is best known for his The Histories, written sometime after 167 BC, or about a century after the Battle of the Bagradas River. [4] [6] Polybius's work is considered broadly objective and largely neutral as between Carthaginian and Roman points of view. [7] [8]
The Carthaginians were defeated [4] [5] and by the terms of the Treaty of Lutatius evacuated Sicily and paid Rome an indemnity of 3,200 silver talents [note 1] over ten years. [8] Four years later, Rome seized Sardinia and Corsica on a cynical pretence and imposed a further 1,200 talent indemnity, [note 2] [9] [10] actions which fuelled ...
As a result, the Romans were initially at a disadvantage against the more experienced Carthaginians. To counter Carthaginian superiority, the Romans introduced the corvus, a bridge 1.2 m (4 ft) wide and 11 m (36 ft) long, with a heavy spike on the underside, which was designed to pierce and anchor into an enemy ship's deck. [45]
The Carthaginians anticipated victory, especially because of their superior experience at sea. [10] The corvi helped the Romans seize the first 30 Carthaginian ships that got close enough, including the Carthaginian flagship. To avoid the corvi, the Carthaginians were forced to navigate around them and approach the Romans from behind, or from ...
Meeting the besiegers in battle, the Romans quickly defeated the Syracusans, then moved against the Carthaginians. The light infantry skirmished but soon fell back. The Roman and Carthaginian infantry engaged in the centre, while the cavalry fought on the flanks. However, the Romans gained the upper hand, and the Carthaginians retreated. [4]