643. Rome’s Greatest Enemy: Carthage Destroyed (Part 4)

The podcast explores the Roman perspective on Carthage following Hannibal's defeat, revealing a lingering fear and perception of the Carthaginians as embodiments of cruelty and deceit. Despite Carthage being crippled by a punitive peace deal, the Romans harbor an irrational fear of its resurgence, fueled by the trauma of Hannibal's invasion of Italy. The discussion highlights the economic resurgence of Carthage, which further exacerbates Roman anxieties, particularly for figures like Cato, who advocates for its complete destruction. The hosts also discuss Rome's growing dominance in the Mediterranean, marked by military victories and the subjugation of Greece and Macedon, setting the stage for the final confrontation with Carthage. The episode culminates in the brutal siege and annihilation of Carthage, underscoring Rome's ruthless pursuit of dominance and the tragic end of a once-great civilization.