Carthage's leadership divided its attention and resources among Sicily, Africa, and Spain while resisting the expense of a prolonged naval war. Those divisions gave Rome time to keep building fleets. Carthage expected a major battle to lead to negotiation, while Rome pursued total victory and the destruction of its opponents. In this interpretation, fear inherited from Rome's early struggles for survival helps explain its willingness to continue fighting through heavy losses. As external fear receded, competition over who ruled Rome could displace the earlier drive to strengthen it, linking imperial decline to a change in political priorities.
Notable Point · 40:40-45:05
Rome and Carthage mobilize for different kinds of war
Carthage entered a prolonged naval struggle while pursuing other conquests, whereas Rome repeatedly rebuilt forces because it sought a dictated peace rather than a negotiated pause.