Causes of the Fall of Carthage
The Battle of Carthage occurred in 146 BC, triggered by a Roman assault in response to previous conflicts, motivations for agricultural land acquisition, the desire to assert Roman authority over its adversaries, and the conflicting political and economic interests between Carthage and Rome. Below are the primary reasons for Carthage’s downfall following this pivotal battle:
Siege
Carthage endured a siege lasting three years, during which the population suffered significant deprivation due to disrupted supply lines. Once the Romans confirmed their objective of weakening Carthage’s inhabitants, they launched an offensive led by Scipio against the city. As a result, Carthage experienced looting, widespread fires, destruction of buildings, and the enslavement of its citizens, who were sold in Rome.
The principal reason for the siege of Carthage was the violation of the treaty that had concluded the Second Punic War after the events at the Battle of Zama. Carthage engaged in military action without Rome’s consent following the encroachment of Numidia on Carthaginian territory. Notably, the treaty expired in 151 BC.
Lack of Support
Carthage found itself without the support of the Numidian kings, who rejected Rome’s influence. This situation was exacerbated when King Masinissa fell gravely ill in 148 BC. He had solicited his ally Scipio Aemilianus to partition the kingdom among his heirs, but he passed away before Scipio could reach the capital, Cirta.
Similar circumstances prevailed in Mauretania, where no assistance was rendered to Carthage due to fear of Masinissa, who was nearing domination over western Numidia. Additionally, the absence of aid from Mauretania could be attributed to its population primarily engaging in pastoral activities.
Depletion of Resources
Carthage faced numerous conflicts with King Masinissa, a Roman ally, spanning a century from 264 BC, as it sought to reclaim territories seized by the Carthaginians. This prolonged struggle drained the resources of both parties, aligning with Rome’s goal to facilitate Carthage’s eventual subjugation.
The Roman Army
Initially, the Roman military, under the command of Manius Manlius, struggled to exert considerable influence over the Carthaginian forces, who organized a robust resistance. The Carthaginians manufactured their own weaponry and evacuated women and children across the sea to allied nations, exemplifying their utmost determination to defend their city.
Although the Roman military eventually overcame the Carthaginian army, blocking the port and breaching the city’s walls, they encountered fierce resistance from defenders within homes and streets. Eventually, as the skirmishes persisted, Carthage’s defense weakened, culminating in the city’s collapse on the eighth day of the assault.
This battle resulted in the death of the Carthaginian leader, Hasdrubal, along with his wife and children. Additionally, the casualties among the Carthaginian populace reached 62,000, with 50,000 enslaved individuals. Conversely, Rome lost 17,000 soldiers out of 40,000 deployed.