Carthage was romes rival in

Answer 1

For hundreds of years the city states of Carthage and Rome lived in peaceful coexistence with each other in the Mediterranean World. Carthage, on the northern coast of Africa was primarily engaged in commercial trading by sea and controlled various locations in the western half of the Mediterranean Sea. Along with their cargo fleets were naval ships to protect their trading.

Rome, on the western side of the Italian Peninsula was primarily an agricultural society and in fact had no navy or commercial fleet of ships to speak of.

There came a time around 264 BC BCE that the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily, became a point of contention between the two city states. Carthage's location was very close to Sicily, and it was the home of several small cities.

There came a time around the date just mentioned that Rome believed that its access to Sicily was denied to them by Carthage and her allies. There were several local disputes amongst the cities in southern Italy and in Sicily.

Rome decided to become involved.

The result was that Rome sought advantage in Sicily and so declared war on Carthage in order to increase their control at the perceived expense of Carthage. Hostilities ensued and by 264 BC BCE a war began between the two city states.

Three wars were fought between Rome and Carthage. They can be said to be rivals for control of the western half of the Mediterranean.

So as the first war began in 264 BC, and hostilities between the two powers came to an end in 146 BC when Rome destroyed the city state of Carthage. Rome ended its long rivalry with Carthage by having it to no longer exist.

There is much history and the histories of the wars they fought. It is exciting history to be sure. But for the purpose of this question, they yes were rivals for control of the western Mediterranean Sea.