Which of the following Mediterranean islands was the source of conflict between Rome and Carthage that led to the Punic Wars?SardiniaSicilyCorsicaCrete

The Mediterranean island that was the source of conflict between Rome and Carthage that led to the Punic Wars was Sicily.

Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. The Punic Wars were a series of three wars fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 BC to 146 BC.

2. The primary cause of the Punic Wars was the conflict of interest between the existing Carthaginian Empire and the expanding Roman Republic.

3. The first Punic War began in 264 BC when Rome interfered in a dispute on the Carthaginian-controlled island of Sicily; this led to three very costly wars for both powers.

4. The first war centered on control of Sicily. Rome wanted to break Carthage's hold on Sicily, which was close to the Italian peninsula and was a threat to Rome.

5. Therefore, Sicily was the Mediterranean island that was the source of conflict between Rome and Carthage that led to the Punic Wars. The other islands - Sardinia, Corsica, and Crete - were not the primary sources of conflict between these two powers.