Carthage was a powerful state in ancient times, not only occupying a privileged position in the middle of the Mediterranean, but also controlling the supply of tin in the East and silver mines in Iberia and North Africa, thus becoming the largest silver producer in the Mediterranean. In the First Punic War, although Carthage lost rich Sicily, this did not dampen their fighting spirit. In order to strengthen their country and fight against their powerful enemy, Rome, they chose the Iberian Peninsula as their new battlefield.
Hamilcar Baca was a key figure in the realization of this plan, leading his army into the Iberian Peninsula and establishing the new city of Carthage there. Hamilcar's purpose in establishing a new city in Iberia was not only to seek economic growth, but more importantly, to form a military containment against Rome. He understood that only by establishing a strong military position could he effectively defend Carthage against Roman attacks.
However, Hamilcar's plans did not go entirely smoothly, and he encountered a steady stream of challenges in his rule in Iberia. In the midst of conflicts with the indigenous peoples of the Iberian Peninsula, he flexibly adjusted his policy and formed alliances with indigenous tribes to resist the Roman invasion. However, it was not a smooth road, and Hamilcar and his successors needed to be constantly vigilant in order to effectively prevent a Roman invasion.
In the years that followed, the gradual expansion of Carthage in Iberia brought it a number of partial victories, but it also caused greater alarm in Rome, leading to further Roman suppression of Carthage. The mineral resources of Iberia were an important support for Carthage to compete with Rome, but Rome also had obvious coveting of them. Carthage's expansion in Iberia had a significant impact on the entire Mediterranean region, exacerbating the contradictions and conflicts between the two great powers, Rome and Carthage.
On the whole, Carthage's expansion in Iberia was a reflection of its economic and military strategy, as well as its necessary layout to compete with Rome. Although Carthage ultimately failed to compete with Rome's power, their efforts and resourcefulness are still worthy of our deep admiration and learning.