What was the cause of the Punic wars?

Answer 1

Rome fought Carthage over who gets to control (own) all of Sicily. Rome wins of course and Hannibal pulls an end around and invades from the north, of all things, threatening Rome itself. Roman General Scipio goes across the sea and counter by attacking Carthage. Hannibal hears the news that his capital city is under siege ad returns home. Scipio wins at Zama near Carthage, and Rome takes over Carthage, and the huge Roman Empire had basically started.

Answer 2

The Punic Wars between Carthage and Rome occurred for the usual reasons: the two most powerful nations in the same area wanted control of all they could get their hands on. There was room for just one large nation in charge of the Mediterranean at the time, and both Carthage and Rome wanted to be the big dog.