Why was the Roman defeat over the carthge so important?

Question

punic war history social studies carthage roman

Answer 1

It was important because Carthage was "THE" dominate power in the Mediterranean Region of the world. Carthage was one of a number of Phoenician settlements in the western Mediterranean. The Phoenician culture was therefore the dominate culture in the "civilized" world.

With the defeat of Carthage by Rome, the culture shifted to Roman influence being the dominate force in the region. It opened the way for further Roman conquest of the Western Mediterranean and Africa. It also allowed Roman commerce to have the luxury of shipping goods from other lands without the fear of running into the Carthaginian Navy.

Answer 2

Basically the winners would have control over trade across the whole of the Mediterranean.

It was kind of a "winner takes all" situation, with the loser being left with almost nothing.