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Causes Of The Punic Wars

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In 264 BC to 146 BC a series of wars broke out between Carthage and Rome. These wars were probably the largest that had ever taken place in this time period, they were called The Punic Wars. The reason for the conflict was the existing Carthaginian Empire and expanding Roman Republic came into contact with one another. During this time new strategic weapons and plans were being used. The Romans successfully defeated the Carthaginians with a wide use of tactics and sophisticated weapons. The Romans' siege tactics included five success factors that enabled the Romans to be victorious. These five success factors were sophisticated artillery weapons, formidable siege towers, the engineering experience of fortification construction, superior logistics, and mastery of the seas. The Roman army copied as well as improved Greek artillery weapons. The Roman machines used animal sinews instead of horse hair, and metal parts replaced wood to increase strength. In a siege, these weapons were used to defend as well as attack. In normal Roman sieges, if the initial attack against the enemy failed to secure complete victory forces were sent to surround the settlement. These forces were set up to prevent anyone from escaping. Ships blockaded the harbor, and armies made up of infantry would build a camp on high ground. The camp observed and picked out key targets, including the enemy's water supply and secret entrances. The siege could progress without any fighting in hope that the enemy

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