Third Punic War: Carthage's perspective

From Carthage's perspective, the Third Punic War was perceived as a punitive mission initiated by Rome following attacks on Carthaginian merchants by the Numidians, who were allied with Rome. The treaties in place had explicitly prohibited any military engagement with Roman allies, which Carthage believed had been violated. This situation escalated tensions between the two powers, leading to Rome's decision to launch a full-scale war against Carthage. The Roman strategy was clear: to annihilate Carthage, which at the time was largely defenseless due to previous conflicts and the economic strain they had endured. The siege of Carthage was marked by intense military action, and the city ultimately fell to Roman forces after a prolonged period of conflict. The impact of the Third Punic War was profound, resulting in the complete destruction of Carthage. The city, once a powerful center of trade and culture in the Mediterranean, was reduced to ruins. Following the siege, Rome not only dismantled the city but also annexed all of Carthage's territories, effectively eliminating it as a rival power. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in the region, allowing Rome to expand its influence and control over North Africa. The war and its aftermath served as a stark warning to other states about the consequences of opposing Roman authority, solidifying Rome's reputation as a dominant military power in the ancient world.