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Punic War

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A series of three wars between Rome and Carthage that made Rome the main power in the western Mediterranean

proper noun

: Guerra Púnica

Many historians study the Punic War to understand Roman military tactics.

Examples

Many students find the Punic War a fascinating topic in ancient history.
The Punic War was a turning point in ancient history.
He wrote his thesis on the economic consequences of the Punic War for Carthage.
The rivalry between Rome and Carthage during the Punic War shaped the future of the Mediterranean region.
The Punic War was a significant conflict between Rome and Carthage that lasted for over 70 years.
Many historians study the Punic War to understand the military strategies used by both Rome and Carthage.
The outcome of the Punic War marked a turning point in history, leading to Roman dominance in the Mediterranean.

Surface Forms

Punic War main

Morphology

Punic + war

The phrase is compositionally formed from 'Punic' (relating to Carthage) + 'war' (armed conflict), so a learner who knows both constituents can infer it means a war involving the Punic/Carthaginian people. Although the term is historically specific (referring to three particular wars), the basic semantic relation is directly derivable from the parts.

Etymology

Punic War comes from an old Latin word for the people of Carthage, called the 'Phoenicians'. So Punic War means the wars between Rome and Carthage that ended with Carthage's defeat.