Final answer:
Rome's adversary in the Punic Wars was Carthage. Significant conflicts evolved over control of regions like Sicily, leading to Rome's eventual supremacy in the Mediterranean.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rome's adversary in the Punic Wars was Carthage. The conflicts between these two powers represent a significant period of ancient military history with Rome ultimately emerging as the dominant power in the Mediterranean. The First Punic War began in 264 BCE over control of Sicily and ended with Rome's victory in 241 BCE. Carthage, led by Hannibal in the Second Punic War, sought revenge but was ultimately defeated at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE by the Roman commander Scipio, who earned the nickname 'Africanus'. The final Third Punic War marked the complete destruction and subjugation of Carthage by Rome in 146 BCE.