What broader lesson does the Roman-Carthaginian struggle offer about strategic endurance?
Short answerA state can survive defeats if its logistics and infrastructure let it rebuild; Carthage's capacity wore down before Rome's did.
NotesRome repeatedly continued fighting after defeats that might otherwise have prompted peace negotiations. Carthage also persisted, but exhausted its ability to continue sooner. Logistics and infrastructure sustained that endurance. Carthage's strong starting infrastructure became vulnerable when it was damaged and insufficiently renewed. Iberian expansion offered a way to build new infrastructure and shipyards capable of supporting larger ships.