Carthaginian army
By David M. and Sai N.
Significance
Carthage's military traditions showed its Phoenician roots and reflected native Libyan and Greek influences. Carthage and Rome's wars led the way for Rome to expand their empire and trade. If Rome did not win they might never have been as big as they could have been later on, or it could have ended all together. If Carthage had won we might not have a Latin based language and Christianity might not have spread as much since it would have been the main religion of Rome.
Background
The cause or the purpose of the Carthaginian was to protect and conquer for Carthage. Carthage's main enemy was a The Roman Republic, that was because Rome wanted to expand and Carthage had most of the land around the Romans except the land owned by Gaulic Tribes. So it was clear that they would be at war. Also the Carthaginian Army did not just fight with people from Carthage they would fight with mercenaries from nearby territories. Also the most famous part of the Carthaginian army were Elephants.
Characteristics
The Carthaginian Army had some of the better technology of its days. In the first Punic the Carthaginian Army had one of the best Navies. They used Hellenistic style triremes and quinqueremes ships that were used to ram enemy ships. During the second Punic War with Rome, Carthaginian general Hannibal famously led An army of cavalry, foot soldiers and elephants across the Alps to invade the Romans. During both wars the Carthaginians used War Elephants which were basically tanks back then because they were hard to kill and dangerous. These elephants would scare the enemy troops and they would crush people when they charged. Also in both Punic wars Carthage employed many mercenaries from Iberia (Hispania), Celtic and Gaulic Tribes, and a few Greek Spartans.