Which statement is the most likely reason that beginning in 264 BCE Rome engaged Carthage in the Punic War?

Answer 1

Previously allies in the western Mediterranean, as Carthage attempted to assert dominance in Sicily, Rome ambitions to expand after dominating Italy brought it into confrontation and conflict with Carthage at Rhegium, and this escalated into the First Punic War. This led to two more wars until Rome captured Carthage and sold its people into slavery to eliminate its resilient rival.

Answer 2

Tension in eastern Sicily was caused by mercenaries, the Mamertines, who seized the city of Messana (Messina, on the strait which separates the island from the mainland). Syracuse, the most powerful of the Greek city-states in eastern and southern Sicily attacked the Mamertines. They asked both Carthage and Rome for help. The Carthaginians, who had four ports in western Sicily offered help, but set up a garrison in Messana. The Mamertines asked Rome for help again.

The Roman senate was divided between a faction which was opposed to helping people who had stolen a city from its people and a pro-war faction. The matter was referred to the Assembly of the Soldiers, which voted on war and peace. It voted for war. The pro-war faction feared that with a garrison in Messana, the Carthaginians might clash with Syracuse, defeat it and take over eastern Sicily.

The Romans landed in Messana, expelled the Carthaginians there and then besieged Syracuse and forced her to become a Roman ally. The Carthaginians, worried about this alliance mobilised for war.

Answer 3

the romans desired control of carthages western mediterranean wealth

Answer 4

It was a contest for dominance of the Western Mediterranean.

Answer 5

Previously allies, they clashed over control of Sicily where both were attempting to expand their influence and control.