Results of the First Punic War

The First Punic War lasted for 23 years. After Rome's victory, it replaced Carthage and became the most powerful country in the Mediterranean. After the war, both countries' economies and populations were devastated, and it took many years for them to recover. Rome's victory was mainly due to its persistence in not admitting defeat or accepting incomplete victory. Facts have also proved that the Roman troops organized by patriotic citizens are indeed better than the Carthaginian mercenaries who are blind to money and live only for money.

①The conditions of the peace treaty

Because Rome is the victor, the terms of the peace treaty were completely formulated and proposed by Rome, including:

·Carthage withdraws from Sicily island.

·Carthage returned the Roman prisoners of war unconditionally, but they needed to pay heavily to redeem their prisoners.

·Carthage was not allowed to launch war against the Roman alliance without Rome's consent.

Carthage transferred some small islands north of Sicily to Rome.

·Carthage will pay 1,000 talents immediately and 2,200 talents annually for the next 10 years.

·The two alliances are not allowed to attack each other, nor are they allowed to recruit troops within each other's territory. Carthage was no longer able to employ Roman professional soldiers.

②The number of casualties

The number of casualties on both sides is very difficult to determine, because most historical materials are biased towards Roman capabilities. It is generally believed that in the naval battle:

·Rome lost 700 ships (mostly due to uncooperative weather)

·Carthage lost 500 ships

· There were approximately 100 sailors on each ship, and at least some of the sailors were killed on each shipwreck

Historian Polybius said that under the circumstances, this was the deadliest war of all time, more so than Alexander the Great's war many. Roman population records from the 3rd century BC indicate that Rome lost over 50,000 citizens during wars. These 50,000 people do not include soldiers without citizenship.

These have become eternal memories engraved in the greatness of mankind, and the Romans passed down their unyielding and perseverance spirit to future generations. Facts have also proved what the final fate of a self-righteous, corrupt and luxurious powerful country will be.

This war also proved that Rome’s outstanding institutions and mutual tolerance laid a solid foundation for Rome to become a powerful country at that time.

One day, we will be far away. Only the memory will last forever. Only by having the same spirit as the Romans can we become immortal and eternal.