Third Punic War facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Third Punic War
Part of the Punic Wars
The location of the city of Carthage
Date 149 BC – 146 BC Location Carthage (near modern Tunis) Result Roman victory, Carthage was sacked.
Belligerents
Roman Republic	Carthage
Commanders and leaders
Scipio Aemilianus	Hasdrubal

The Third Punic War was the last of three major wars between two powerful ancient groups: the Romans and the people of Carthage. Carthage was a city that started as a Phoenician colony in North Africa. This final war lasted from 149 BC to 146 BC. It was much shorter than the first two Punic Wars.

What Was the Third Punic War?

The Third Punic War was the final conflict in a long rivalry. It was mainly about the Romans attacking the city of Carthage. The Romans had fought two very long and difficult wars against Carthage before. They wanted to make sure Carthage could never be a threat again.

Why Did the War Start?

After the Second Punic War, Carthage was not allowed to have its own army. It also had to get Rome's permission to go to war. However, Carthage was often attacked by its neighbor, Numidia. Numidia was a kingdom that Rome supported.

In 151 BC, Numidia attacked Carthage again. Carthage decided to fight back without Rome's permission. This made the Romans very angry. They saw it as Carthage breaking their peace treaty. Rome then decided it was time to completely destroy Carthage.

The Siege of Carthage

The main part of the Third Punic War was the Siege of Carthage. A siege is when an army surrounds a city and tries to take it over. The Roman army, led by Scipio Aemilianus, surrounded the city of Carthage.

The people of Carthage fought bravely to defend their home. They built new weapons and tried to break the Roman siege. But the Roman army was very strong and determined. The siege lasted for three years.

The Fall of Carthage

In 146 BC, the Roman army finally broke through Carthage's defenses. They fought their way into the city. The fighting was fierce, street by street. The Romans eventually took control of Carthage.

The Romans then completely destroyed the city. They tore down all the buildings. Many people living in Carthage were killed. The rest were captured and sold into slavery. This marked the end of Carthage as a powerful city. Rome had finally removed its old enemy.

Images for kids

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  Arrowheads, remains of a dagger and stones for slingshots exhibited at the National Museum of Carthage

See also