Final answer:
The Carthaginians and Romans had a conflict-ridden relationship before 260 BCE, engaging in a series of wars known as the Punic Wars. These wars resulted in significant political and territorial changes for both civilizations. The most well-known conflict was the Second Punic War, which saw Carthaginian general Hannibal invade Italy, but ultimately end in Roman victory.
Step-by-step explanation:
The relationship between the Carthaginians and Romans before 260 BCE was primarily one of conflict and rivalry. The two civilizations were engaged in a series of wars known as the Punic Wars, which lasted for over a century. These wars were fought for control of the Mediterranean and resulted in significant political and territorial changes for both Carthage and Rome.
The First Punic War (264-241 BCE) was primarily a naval war, as both sides sought to control key trading routes and territories in the Mediterranean. The Carthaginians, who were known for their naval power, initially had the upper hand, but the Romans eventually built a powerful navy and won several key battles. The Carthaginians suffered a major loss in the Battle of Aegates Islands in 241 BCE, which led to the end of the war.
The Second Punic War (218-201 BCE) was the most significant and well-known conflict between Carthage and Rome. It was sparked by the Carthaginian general Hannibal's invasion of Italy, which included his famous crossing of the Alps with elephants. Hannibal won several major battles against the Romans, including the Battle of Cannae in 216 BCE, where the Romans suffered a devastating defeat. However, the Romans eventually recovered and launched a counteroffensive under the leadership of Scipio Africanus. They ultimately defeated Carthage and forced them to surrender in 201 BCE.
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