Rome won the Second Punic War, defeating Carthage and ending Hannibal’s long campaign against the Roman Republic.

Quick answer

  • The Second Punic War (218–201 BCE) was fought mainly between the Roman Republic and Carthage.
  • Rome emerged as the clear victor , largely due to Scipio Africanus’ decisive win over Hannibal at the Battle of Zama in 202 BCE.
  • After the defeat, Carthage lost its overseas territories, paid a massive indemnity, and was reduced to a subordinate power in the western Mediterranean.

Mini background: why it matters

  • The war is famous today for Hannibal’s daring march over the Alps and his major victories at Trebia, Lake Trasimene, and Cannae, which nearly broke Roman power.
  • Despite these early disasters, Rome’s resilience, manpower, and leadership (especially Fabius Maximus and later Scipio Africanus) slowly turned the tide.

What Rome’s victory meant

  • Rome’s win in the Second Punic War marked the beginning of its dominance over the western Mediterranean, setting the stage for later expansion into Greece and beyond.
  • Carthage’s defeat and the harsh peace terms ensured it could no longer challenge Roman supremacy, paving the way for Rome to become a Mediterranean superpower.

TL;DR: Rome won the Second Punic War, chiefly sealed by Scipio Africanus’ victory over Hannibal at Zama, and this victory launched Rome on the path to Mediterranean dominance.

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