How Rome Beat Carthage | The First Punic War

Video Description

In the third century BC, a clash which had been brewing for centuries finally erupted: Rome, the ruthless imperialist upstart dominating Italy, against Carthage, the ancient but sinister apex predator of the Mediterranean. The conflict sparked in Messina in 263 BC, and went on for over two decades, as the fortunes of both powers rose and fell. Rome’s superior, land-based army proved the perfect match to the Carthaginians’ maritime might, though both forces rapidly adapted to the expertise of their foe. By 250 BC, Carthage was embattled and flailing, and in need of a hero, to restore the fate of Carthage, and ensure her survival… Join Tom and Dominic as they discuss the outbreak of the First Punic War, in which history’s greatest rivalry, Rome vs Carthage, finally came to blows. As the established power of Carthage was challenged by the rise of a new contender in Rome, but could either live in a world where the other survived? 00:00 Why the First Punic War was unmatched 02:04 Sicily becomes the inevitable battleground 04:06 Roman politics, honour, and appetite for conquest 05:57 Carthage’s perspective on the Roman threat 07:03 The Mamertines and the crisis at Messina 08:36 Carthage and Rome both drawn into war 10:04 Was Rome’s expansion centrally planned? 12:00 Siege of Agrigentum and Carthage’s disastrous defence 14:59 Rome’s surprise naval disaster and learning curve 16:44 The Corvus: Rome turns sea battles into land battles 17:54 Victory at Mylae and Carthage’s first major naval loss 19:02 Roman setbacks in Sicily and guerrilla resistance 20:06 Massive Roman invasion of Africa 21:21 Regulus’ campaign, Carthaginian peace rejection 23:11 Xanthippus’ arrival and Rome’s defeat in Africa 24:57 The tale (and myth) of Regulus’ martyrdom 26:01 Repeated Roman naval disasters and Claudius’ chickens 28:02 Rome’s grinding siege success in Sicily 29:48 Enter Hamilcar Barca: Carthage’s last hope 34:42 Final Roman fleet and the surprise at sea 36:26 The end of the First Punic War – Treaty terms 38:43 The mercenary time bomb outside Carthage 40:00 Spendius and Matho seize control and revolt 47:03 Mass slaughter at the Defile of the Axe 48:08 Final vengeance: Hannibal crucified, Spendius avenged 50:04 Hamilcar wins the war and Matho’s hideous fate 53:04 The boy Hannibal and his oath of eternal hatred Twitter: @TheRestHistory @holland_tom @dcsandbrook Producer: Theo Young-Smith Assistant Producer: Tabby Syrett Executive Producers: Jack Davenport + Tony Pastor