The Punic Wars

The End of the Second Punic War

In 202 BC Rome's second war with Carthage came to an end. Rome again forced Carthage to pay a terrible price: this time, Carthage had to give up her entire empire. Spain, the islands, North Africa, her navy, her army, all of it was either gone or drastically reduced. All that was left to her was the city itself, a hinterland of some thirty miles, and a miniscule army to protect against desert tribes.

Carthage was allowed no foreign policy but became a client of Rome. Indeed, a ditch marked the limits of Carthaginian territory, and it was part of the peace treaty that should armed Carthaginians cross that border it automatically meant war with Rome.

Monument to Hannibal at Gebze (Kocaeli), Turkey Near the ancient Libyssa, Bithynia Reputed to be Hannibal's burial place Thanks to Efendi Fidan for this photo

Hannibal himself went east, forbidden to live in his native city. He took service with various eastern kings, and for some years rumors shook Rome that Hannibal was consipiring with this or that king to raise an army and march again on Italy. When Hannibal finally died, somewhat mysteriously and before his time, it was believed that he had been poisoned, either at the behest of the Senate or by an eastern king seeking to curry favor with the Senate.

History of Western Civilization

E.L. Skip Knox
Boise State University

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