CLASH OF EMPIRES The Roman and Carthaginian expansion in the Mediterranean western basin went to a decisive spot, Sicily, that both had been disputing during the first Punic war (264-241 B.C.). Romans won this long conflict because of their maritime superiority, adding Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica as Roman provinces. Approximately 20 years later, Carthaginians took revenge when Hannibal crossed the Alps and had several victories. The second Punic war (218-201 B.C.) was a huge conflict, Titus Livius named as “the most memorable of all wars." Rome was on the verge of its destruction, but it established a foothold in Africa and won in Zama in 202 B.C., a decisive victory. The peace treaty required, among other things, Carthage to disarm and pay compensation.