Carthage — The Complete Rise and Fall of Rome’s Greatest Rival | 814–146 BC

For centuries, Carthage was the dominant power of the western Mediterranean—a wealthy Phoenician trading city with powerful fleets, vast commercial networks and one of history’s greatest military commanders. Then it collided with Rome. This complete documentary follows the rise and fall of Carthage, from its traditional foundation around 814 BC to its destruction by Rome in 146 BC. Discover how Carthage built its wealth through Mediterranean trade, naval power and control of strategic ports before entering a series of wars that would reshape the ancient world. The First Punic War forced Rome to build a navy almost from nothing. After Carthage lost Sicily, Sardinia and Corsica, Hamilcar Barca turned toward Spain, creating the power base that his son Hannibal Barca would inherit. In 218 BC, Hannibal launched one of history’s most extraordinary campaigns. He crossed the Alps with his army and elephants, entered Italy and defeated Roman forces at Trebia, Lake Trasimene and finally Cannae—one of the most famous tactical victories in military history. Yet Rome refused to surrender. While Hannibal remained in Italy, Rome attacked Carthaginian power elsewhere. Scipio Africanus captured New Carthage, broke Carthage’s position in Spain and brought the war to North Africa. At the Battle of Zama in 202 BC, Hannibal suffered his decisive defeat. Carthage survived—but only as a weakened state restricted by Roman power. Then, after decades of economic recovery and growing Roman hostility, the Third Punic War began. Carthage resisted for three years. In 146 BC, Roman forces finally stormed the city. Carthage burned. But one famous story is false: the Romans did not sow Carthage with salt. And the civilization itself did not completely disappear. Punic language, agriculture, religion and cultural traditions survived long after the destruction of the city. This documentary explores Carthage, Hannibal, the Punic Wars, Cannae, Zama, Rome’s rise to Mediterranean dominance and the destruction of Rome’s greatest rival. Subscribe to Thronewake Atlas for complete documentaries about ancient empires, legendary rulers, lost civilizations and the wars that changed world history. #ThronewakeAtlas #Carthage #Hannibal #PunicWars #AncientRome #BattleOfCannae