Step-by-step explanation:
On February 5, 146 BCE, the Roman Republic finally triumphed over its nemesis, Carthage, after over a century of fighting. The victory and subsequent destruction of the city of Carthage marked the end of the Punic Wars and represented Rome's replacement of Carthage as the dominant power of the Western Mediterranean, a position it would hold for the next several centuries.
The Punic Wars began as Rome expanded West toward what is now Spain, East into Greece and South to Sicily, which brought it into conflict with Carthage. Though Rome won both the First and Second Punic Wars, Carthage at times came close to victory. During the Second Punic War, the Carthaginian general Hannibal famously led his army, including three dozen elephants, across the Alps and into the Italian peninsula, terrorizing the countryside and coming close to sacking Rome. By 149 BCE, however, Rome had in many ways subjugated Carthage. Victory in the Second War had allowed Rome to impose a costly indemnity on its rival, and Carthage had to seek the Roman senate's permission to wage war. Even after the indemnity was paid, Rome was wary of Carthage's continued existence. One senator, Cato the Elder, reportedly ended all of his speeches for several years, regardless of topic, with "Also, I believe that Carthage must be destroyed."