Rome was able to gain its empire in large part by extending some form of citizenship to many of the people it conquered. Military expansion drove economic development, bringing enslaved people and loot back to Rome, which in turn transformed the city of Rome and Roman culture.
Punic Wars, also called Carthaginian Wars, (264–146 bce), a series of three wars between the Roman Republic and the Carthaginian (Punic) empire, resulting in the destruction of Carthage, the enslavement of its population, and Roman hegemony over the western Mediterranean.
First Punic War (264–241 bce)
The interval between the First and Second Punic Wars (241–218 bce)
Second Punic War (218–201 bce) Campaigns in Sicily and Spain. The war in Africa.
Third Punic War (149–146 bce)
All three wars were won by Rome, which subsequently emerged as the greatest military power in the Mediterranean Sea. The enmity of Carthage impelled Rome to build up its large army and to create a strong navy. The great military leaders of the war for Carthage were Hamilcar Barca and his sons Hasdrubal and Hannibal.
Julius Caesar began his rise to power in 60 B.C.E. by forging an alliance with another general, Pompey, and a wealthy patrician, Crassus. ... Upon his return, Caesar made himself dictator and absolute ruler of Rome and its territories. During his rule, he enacted several reforms.
Focusing on economic reform during his time as Dictator for Life, Caesar improved land and waterways. His political reforms focused on creating physical structures, rebuilding cities and temples, and improving the Senate, The main ruling body in Rome.
