Beginning of First Punic War

In the third century, the greatest naval power was the city of Carthage. Carthage was located in North Africa near modern day Tunis. While the Romans were increasing their reach and controlled the Italian peninsula, the Carthaginians were in control of most of southern Spain, as well as the islands of Corsica and Sardinia in southern Europe. Commercial trade in the Mediterranean Sea was dominated by the Carthaginians, making them a formidable power. The city of Carthage also amassed tremendous wealth from gold and silver mines in Spain. In the middle of the third century, Rome and Carthage came into contact. This happened when Rome's power reached the southern tip of Italy. Rome knew of the Carthaginians and their heritage, between them was the large island of Sicily. This island was very close to Italy, but Carthage controlled the western portion of the island. Messana, a Sicilian city, revolted against the Carthaginians, the Romans intervened, and the First Punic War erupted.