Final answer:
The Third Punic War (149-146 BCE) culminated in the total destruction of Carthage by Rome, with the sacking of the city and enslavement or killing of its inhabitants. This war is known for its extreme brutality, characterized by Rome's intent to erase Carthage from existence.
Step-by-step explanation:
What happened in the Third Punic War, and why is it considered the most brutal attack of the Romans? This conflict, which lasted from 149 to 146 BCE, resulted in the final and conclusive defeat of Carthage by Rome. The Third Punic War is infamous for the utter destruction of Carthage, a level of devastation renowned for its severity and ruthlessness. Years of tension and enduring anti-Carthaginian sentiments in Rome, often vocalized by Cato the Elder with his phrase '...and Carthage must be destroyed,' led up to this final showdown. When Rome intervened in Carthaginian politics, the Third Punic War began, which was extremely one-sided. Despite desperate resistance, Carthage was sacked after a lengthy siege, and its inhabitants were either killed or enslaved. The city was set ablaze, and salt was reportedly sown into the earth to ensure nothing would grow there, symbolizing a total and irrevocable destruction.