One of the ancient world’s most impressive imperialistic struggles came to a peaceful conclusion on this date in 1985. A formal, diplomatic settlement of the third war between the two powers had not been taken care of for 2,321 years.

Following the defeat in the Third Punic War, of Carthage, or Punici in Latin, the Roman Republic engaged in mopping up and consolidating her wins on the Iberian Peninsula. Rome was also involved in conquering the Hellenistic empires to the East.

Meanwhile, Carthage had no more colonial territories and her allies had been subjugated by Rome, as well. In addition, Carthage was to pay 200 silver Talents per year for half a century. (200 silver Talents equals approximately $2,150,000 USD. for a total war reparations debt of $107,500,000.)

The agreements ending the Second Punic War also required Carthage to settle all border disputes with the Roman ally, Numidia, in the Roman Senate, where most were usually decided in favor of Numidia.

By 151 BCE, The Carthagian war reparations were paid in full. The Punic people believed that the treaty had expired. Rome disagreed, thinking the treaty validated permanent subjugation to Rome. Furthermore, with the expiration of reparations, Rome no longer had a financial incentive to keep peace with their rivals.

At the same time, the city of Rome had a population of around 400,000 people. Feeding and supporting the residents was becoming more challenging. The agricultural land around Carthage presented a temptation. This ag-land was some of the most accessible, productive territory not yet under control of the Roman Republic.

The Carthagians suffered an invasion by Numidia in 151 BCE. Carthage suffered a military defeat and was charged another 50-year reparations debt. Consequently, Rome also displayed unhappiness with the Numidian conflict undertaken without Roman consent. Carthage was told they had to “satisfy the Roman People” to avoid another war.

In spite of the best efforts of the beleaguered Carthigians, Rome declared war in 149 BCE. Rome and Carthage waged fierce battles. Carthage pitted a brave and intelligent resistance effort. The siege of Carthage lasted until the spring of 146 BCE when Roman General Scipio-Aemilianus smashed through the city defences. Despite a valiant fight, the Carthagians were pressed into defeat. A portion of the remaining 60,000 survinging Punic people were brought to Rome as booty and sold into slavery.

The city of Carthage was set to flames for 17 days, the city walls and buildings were smashed to pieces. The remainder of the Carthaginian territory was annexed by Rome and was reclassified as the Roman Province of Africa. That land around Carthage was shared between the local farming communities and Italian overlords. As expected, the region became an important source of grain for the Roman and Italian interests. 100 years after the conquest, Carthage was rebuilt as a Roman city. It was destined to become an important hub of the new Empire.

During the interim time period until the 20th Century, no treaties were needed nor thought about, until the 1960s. At last, a formal treaty was drafted along with a pact of friendship and cooperation was composed in early 1985.

The then mayor of modern Rome, Ugo Vetere, and the then mayor of modern-day Carthage, Chedli Klibi, signed the agreements in a government compound near the city of Tunis, Tunisia. The ages old Third Punic War had come to its formal conclusion.

Ciao



The Blue Jay of Happiness notes that the tale claiming that the Roman army sowed the city soil of Carthage with salt in order that nothing would ever again grow there, is likely a fabrication of 1800s writers. Nothing of the sort actually happened.