How Did The Punic Wars Affect Western Civilization

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The Punic Wars left an impact on Western Civilization because it was a turning point for Rome. Rome used to be a tiny city-state that had no potential to become an imperial power, by the time the Punic Wars are won, Romans would have dominance over the Mediterranean power. Rome’s survival was challenged over and over again, but Rome thrived on their victories. But one by one, city-states joined Rome. This was allowing them to gain more power. Carthage was fearful of Rome and it escalated into a conflict, which led to the Punic Wars. (Frankforter & Spellman, 141) The Punic Wars are made up of three different wars. The Carthaginians lost all three wars. The cost of the first war was that the Carthaginians lost Sicily and they had to pay reparations. The cost of the
Rome, what used to be a tiny city-state, became the dominate power in the Mediterranean. Rome did leave a lasting legacy, and because Rome saved and added on to Greek culture, we can still identify with it in today’s world. (Williams) This turning point for Rome left them supreme over an empire stretching from the Atlantic coast of Spain to the border between Greece and Asia Minor. It was also a turning point for the flow of Roman History. (Schaefer, 1) Rome would not have been so heavily known if they did not win the Punic Wars. I think it would be highly unlikely that Rome could of have been defeated by the Carthegians, but if they were defeated and Carthage had won, Rome would not be such a powerful empire. Leaving Rome with the image of being weak their empire just weak. Carthage will gain territory and assure their dominance over the Western Mediterranean. Again, leaving Rome weak. Rome would not be the Rome we all know today at all. Also Greek culture would not have been saved, so therefore, our world would not know of the Greek culture, including: democracy, philosophy, architecture,

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