Siege of Carthage (Third Punic War)

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Siege of Carthage (Third Punic War)

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The brutal three-year siege and final destruction of the city of Carthage by Rome.

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Origins & Early Life

The siege of Carthage was the main engagement of the Third Punic War fought between Carthage and Rome. It consisted of the nearly three-year siege of the Carthaginian capital, Carthage (a little northeast of Tunis). In 149 BC, a large Roman army landed at Utica in North Africa. The Carthaginians hoped to appease the Romans, but despite the Carthaginians surrendering all of their weapons, the Romans pressed on to besiege the city. The Roman campaign suffered repeated setbacks through 149 BC, only alleviated by Scipio Aemilianus, a middle-ranking officer, distinguishing himself several times.

Career & Major Achievements

A new Roman commander took over in 148 BC, and fared equally badly. At the annual election of Roman magistrates in early 147 BC, the public support for Scipio was so great that the usual age restrictions were lifted to allow him to be appointed commander in Africa. Scipio's term began with two Carthaginian successes, but he tightened the siege and commenced a construction of a large mole to prevent supplies from getting into Carthage via blockade runners. The Carthaginians had partially rebuilt their fleet and it sortied, to the Romans' surprise; after an indecisive engagement the Carthaginians mismanaged their withdrawal and lost many ships. The Romans then built a large brick structure in the harbour area, which dominated the city wall.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In early 146 BC the Romans launched their final assault, and over one week systematically destroyed the city and killed its inhabitants; only on the last day did they take prisoners – 50,000, who were sold into slavery. The formerly Carthaginian territories became the Roman province of Africa, with Utica as its capital. It was a century before the site of Carthage was rebuilt as a Roman city. The main source for almost every aspect of the Third Punic War is the historian Polybius (c. 200 – c. 118 BC), a Greek sent to Rome in 167 BC as a hostage. His works include a now-lost manual on military tactics, but he is now known for The Histories, written sometime after 146 BC.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Siege of Carthage (Third Punic War)

True or False: “The primary source detailing the Third Punic War is Polybius, who was a native Roman citizen.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Polybius was a Greek historian sent to Rome as a hostage in 167 BC, not a native Roman citizen.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Siege of Constantinople (674–678) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Major conflict during the Arab-Byzantine Wars, culminating in a major Byzantine victory.
• Siege of Constantinople (717–718) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The 717–718 siege of Constantinople by the Umayyad Caliphate.
• Siege of Delhi (1857) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Decisive conflict marking the peak and ultimate failure of the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
• Siege of Jerusalem (1099) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The brutal 1099 siege marking the Christian conquest and founding of the Kingdom of Jerusalem.
• Siege of Jerusalem (1187) — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The 1187 siege marked the fall of Jerusalem to Saladin, ending Crusader control.
• Siege of Leningrad — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: A devastating 872-day military blockade by Axis powers against Leningrad (1941–1944).

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