Question

During the first Punic War, the Romans were most interested in acquiring Sicily because it ________.

• A. Offered an array of natural resources
• B. Could serve as a strategic military base
• C. Could allow Rome to avenge civilian losses
• D. Could increase Rome's ability to trade with the East
• E. Could serve as a key location in a Carthaginian invasion of Italy

Answer 1

The correct option is A Offered an array of natural resources

During the first Punic War, the Romans were MOST interested in acquiring Sicily because it offered an array of natural resources. Rome was primarily interested in taking control of Sicily during the first Punic War because of the valuable natural resources it provided. As a major grain-producing territory, Sicily could provide some strategic advantages to Rome, which was dependent on outside sources of grain for survival.