Second Punic WarBetween the Wars 239-219 BCE

Between the Wars 239-2181. Mercenary War in Africa (240-237)2. Rome takes Sardinia and Corsica3. Carthaginian conquests in Iberia4. Hannibal attacks Saguntum (in Iberia)

Mercenary War in Africa

Fought between Carthaginian mercenaries and Carthaginian army 240-237 BCE

Following the First Punic War, Carthaginian mercenaries arrive back in Carthage (Africa) were they expected to be paid. Carthage’s treasury was low in funds – 1st Punic War. Carthage allocated the mercenaries land – mercenaries thought

that the government was trying to avoid its obligations and waged war on Carthage.

Mercenaries take Tunis (city near Carthage) Hamilcar and Hanno capture Tunis and re-establish

Carthage’s control over its African territories. Rome maintains friendly relations with Carthage during this

time – send supplies, trade embargo on rebels, release Carthaginian prisoners, refused offer to take over Sardinia from Carthage.

Rome: Sardinia and Corsica 237 BCE – Roman attitude to Carthage changes after the

end of Mercenary War. Rome seizes control of Sardinia from Carthage. Carthage protested that Roman action was in breach of

the peace treaty of 241 BCE. Rome regarded this an act of war and issued an ultimatum

which the Carthaginians had no choice but to accept, giving all further control to Rome.

227 BCE – Sardinia and Corsica become Roman provinces – governed by an annually elected Praetor.

Rome seized Sardinia and Corsica (possibly) because: They thought that under the Carthaginians it would pose a

permanent threat to Etruria, Latium and Campania - it was central to the security of Italy

Carthaginian conquests in Iberia

Carthage: loss of Sardinia and Corsica caused a loss of revenue, resources, personal wealth, and jobs. Therefore: Needed to find alternative source of

revenue, Needed to ensure they were adequately

prepared for future ‘attacks’ from Rome, Necessary for Carthage in the national

interest to embark on a program of overseas expansion.

Hamilcar Barca - Spain Sent to take control of

Iberia Increased army through

voluntary and forced enlistment.

Army was well trained, experienced and funded.

Told Roman envoys he was seeking resources to pay its indemnities to Rome.

Possible advantages of Iberia

for Carthage

Revenue for repayments to Rome – 1st

Punic War

Militarily – as a base for

future attack on Italy

Militarily – Source of manpower

for the armies

Trade and resources to

recoup losses – Sardinia

and Corsica

Hasdrubal Son-in-law to Hamilcar Used diplomacy instead of force to further aims

instigated by Hamilcar. Founded New Carthage – headquarters in Iberia. Signed the Ebro River Treaty (226BCE) with Rome,

which, in summary meant: Carthage could not cross the Ebro River Rome did not intend to oppose Hasdrubal (south of the

Ebro River) It created good relations between Rome and Carthage Neither side was prevented from having peaceful

relations with cities on either side (Saguntum and Rome allied from 231 BCE)

Hannibal Exploits in Iberia

Hannibal – exploits in IberiaTook over command in Iberia in 221 BCE

following the assassination of Hasdrubal.He continued and consolidated the work

started by his father and brother-in-law. Undertook operations against the Vaccaei Took control of Carpentani region Eventually controlled all of Iberia south of the

Ebro River – except Saguntum (allied to Rome)

For Friday or HomeworkPlease read page 124-130 of Bradley and answer the question: Why did Hannibal attack

Saguntum knowing that it would mean war with Rome?