II. The Sybil's Curse : Sacker of Cities

Question 1

How did the Third Punic War start ?

Answer 1

When the Second Punic War ended in 201 BC one of the terms of the peace treaty prohibited Carthage from waging war without Rome’s permission. Rome’s ally, King Masinissa of Numidia, exploited this to repeatedly raid and seize Carthaginian territory with impunity. In 149 BC Carthage sent an army, under Hasdrubal, against Masinissa, the treaty notwithstanding. Despite the failure of the Campaign, Anti-Carthaginian factions in Rome used the illicit military action as a pretext to prepare a punitive expedition.

Question 2

Starting 149 BC..

Answer 2

Rome ordered the Carthagians to abandon their cities which they refused. Carthage was then sieged for 2 years.

Question 3

Who was Scipio Aemilianus?

Answer 3

Rome’s best soldier, distinguinshed for his efforts during the 3rd Punic War. He was elected consul in 147 BC despite not reaching the usual age restrictions.

Question 4

What happened in 146 BC?

Answer 4

the Romans launched their final assault and, over six days, systematically destroyed the city and killed its inhabitants; only on the last day did they take prisoners, 50,000 of them, who were sold into slavery. The conquered Carthaginian territories became the Roman province of Africa, with Utica as its capital.