Final answer:
The Punic Wars were a series of three major conflicts between Rome and Carthage from 264 to 146 BCE, ending in Roman dominance over the Mediterranean after strategic victories and the innovative military techniques employed by Rome.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Punic Wars were a sequence of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 to 146 BCE, which led to the eventual domination of Rome over the Mediterranean. The First Punic War began over the strategic island of Sicily, igniting a clash between Rome's legions and Carthage's naval prowess. Despite Carthage's superior fleet, Rome innovated with the corvus boarding device to prevail in naval engagements. The loss of Sicily was a blow to Carthage, who then expanded into Spain, amassing resources and building a powerful army under General Hannibal. The Second Punic War saw Hannibal spectacularly crossing the Alps into Italy and achieving victories at battles like Cannae. However, Rome's resilience and strategic counter by General Scipio, who attacked Carthage directly, forced Hannibal back to defend his homeland, leading to Carthage's defeat at the Battle of Zama. The Third Punic War resulted in Carthage's complete destruction and the spread of Roman power across the Mediterranean.