the second part of my question was what did both the romans and the carthaginians want during war?
They wanted to defeat each other and control the Mediterranean.
Romans wanted first of all control of Sicily. Carthaginians wanted the Romans to stop trying to take over their trade routes and territory.
the Carthaginians lived in the Iberian Penninsula when the Romans arrived correct?
There were some Carthaginians there, but their home was in North Africa.
http://www.mapsofworld.com/world-ancient-history/carthage.html
ok great!
Do you also know of any websites that would explain how the Romans organized the territory of the Iberian Peninsula?
http://meetingpoint.wikispaces.com/2-+The+romanization+of+the+Iberian+Peninsula
During war, both the Romans and Carthaginians had different goals and desires. Understanding their motivations requires looking into the historical and cultural context of the time.
The Romans, led by the Roman Republic, sought to expand their territory and exert their influence over neighboring regions. They aimed at establishing dominance and control over the Mediterranean world, spreading their political and economic systems, and integrating conquered territories into their empire. Rome had a strong focus on expansion, territorial acquisition, and establishing a hegemonic power.
On the other hand, the Carthaginians, based in modern-day Tunisia, were also interested in expanding their influence and control in the Mediterranean. However, their primary goal was to protect and enhance their lucrative trade networks. Carthage was a major trading power, controlling important ports and conducting commerce throughout the Mediterranean. They aimed to secure their economic interests, maintain control of vital trade routes, and protect their commercial dominance.
The conflict between Rome and Carthage, known as the Punic Wars, was partially driven by clashes of interest in these areas. Rome sought to challenge Carthaginian control over trade routes and territories that Rome deemed strategically important for its own expansionist endeavors.
To summarize, while the Romans sought territorial expansion and political dominance, the Carthaginians aimed to protect their economic interests and commercial eminence. These conflicting goals ultimately led to a series of wars between the two powers.