Roman Civilization

The History of the Roman Empire : The Punic Wars

In the early stages of the Roman Empire , the institution was more centered on expanding its territory . When the Greek cities requested protection from Rome in the early 3rd century , it became an opportunity to strike Carthage and , thus , expand its territory . Having to control most of Italy , Carthage was as strong as Rome , as it possessed the entire length of Sicily , Africa , Spain 's Mediterranean cost , not to mention Sardinia and Corsica . Thus , using manpower , morale , tactics and resources (e .g , animals

, Rome had war with Carthage , as the former developed a powerful navy that led to most of its success

During the second Punic War , however , Carthage expanded its empire to Spain , and with Hannibal in charge of the Carthaginian armies , the Romans offered that the dispute be solved through diplomacy and not by war . With Hannibal conquering all of northern Italy , Rome was divided about whether or not they should strike by open warfare . Fabius , who governed the Roman army , was determined they should avoid open warfare and , instead , wait for Hannibal . However , the Romans said he was `The Delayer ' and , instead , put him out of power using two inexperienced consuls that led to the loss of eighty thousand Roman soldiers through Hannibal 's pincer strategy . After the largest defeat Rome ever suffered , it finally agreed that it should wait for the arrival of Hannibal . Preconceptions should have had led to better results for Rome if they only trusted Fabius and his knowledge and skill in battles

This event had an impact on the constitution , as Rome learned to avoid `pinched ' battles , so that the Romans had the upper hand right in Spain Zama , and all of the Mediterranean , and accepted their new role as arbitrator and enforcer to collect more support and power from its allies . They understood more that power is driven by smaller constituents and , thus , started a new professional army that required payment and incentives

One good lesson that is evident here is the conclusion that , rational decision should be based on the basic present assets of the state and not on the outcome or the contingencies

References

Boatwright , M , Gargola , D Talber , R (2004 . From village to empire . New York , NY : Oxford University Press

Hooker , R (1999 . Rome : the Punic wars . Retrieved April 17 , 2008 , from the Washington State University , World Civilizations database HYPERLINK "http /www .wsu .edu dee /ROME /PUNICWAR .HTM http /www .wsu .edu dee /ROME /PUNICWAR .HTM Name 17-Apr-08...