The document summarizes the three Punic Wars between Rome and Carthage between 264-146 BC. It describes how the first war was primarily a naval conflict in which Rome adapted its tactics and eventually defeated Carthage. The second war saw Hannibal invade Italy by crossing the Alps with his army. Although he defeated several Roman armies, he could not defeat Rome itself. Eventually Rome landed an army in North Africa led by Scipio Africanus, defeating Hannibal at Zama. The third war saw Rome, pushed by Cato the Elder, destroy Carthage completely, ending its existence and influence.