The Punic Wars took place during 264-146BC. Under the Punics, or Carthaginians, the Mediterranean city of Carthage, situated along the coast of Tunis, became rich and powerful. Not surprisingly, it became a source of rivalry between Syracuse and Rome resulting in several wars and respective invasions of each others land (and many elephants). While Hannibal's successful invasion of Italy in the Second Punic War led to Carthaginian victory at Cannae and a serious threat to the continued Roman rule over Italy - it seriously weakened Carthage. After the third Punic War War, Carthage was destroyed by the Romans in 46BC. The city was refounded by the Romans and became one of the three most important cities of Rome until its destruction by the Muslims in 698AD.
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