Paterson begins in the ancient world, considering popular explanations for the ascendance of Rome and, in particular, their victory over Carthage in the Punic Wars.

帕特森以古代世界开始，探讨了罗马获得主宰地位，尤其是他们在布匿战争中击败迦太基人的流行解释。

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"Aside from the Punic Wars, which I was too young for, I have been blamed for everything, " Mr. Andreotti once said.

WSJ: Italy's Seven-Time Premier Andreotti Dies at 94

The Romans were severely tested in the three Punic wars but their struggles against a worthy, if barbaric and perfidious, enemy were a necessary feature of their emergence as the dominant power.

ECONOMIST: Myth and the making of history