Like most nations of the present and past, there is a country or empire that always seems to be at war with each other. In the case of the Roman Republic, this empire turns out to be that of the Carthaginians. These wars were referred to as the Punic Wars, and in total there were three Punic Wars, all spanning a period of over 100 years. Many historians agree that these wars were probably the largest wars ever to occur during this period, much like the two world wars of modern times. The Punic Wars proved important in transforming Rome, both physically and economically, as they allowed the Romans to conquer the Western Carthage Empire, which gave Rome control of the entire western Mediterranean. Thus giving the possibility of expanding their already growing empire with new territories, but also through the many trade routes available to them with surrounding countries. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay The Punic Wars took place in the years 264 BC and 146 BC, spanning a period of over 118 years. In total, there were three Punic Wars, all of which took place between the empires of Carthage and Rome in an attempt to gain more territory, whether for military or economic reasons. The First Punic War began with a conflict over ownership of the strategic islands of Sicily and Corsica and ended with victories for Rome. The second war began after an invasion of Italy and ended with Rome possessing the entire western empire of Carthage. Finally, the Third War ended with Rome taking full control of Carthage and making it one of many nations conquered by Rome. These Punic Wars helped transform Rome economically by opening up trade in the Mediterranean. The Carthaginians were expert and very skilled merchants, but after their defeat by Rome, the entire western Mediterranean Sea was left open to the Romans to buy/trade/sell. This allowed the Roman Republic to dominate the trade market and also enabled the Roman takeover of Greece, as the Greeks were too busy trying to outdo each other to not notice Rome's attempts to assert its dominance. The Punic Wars had a The main reason for this fight was the presence of power-hungry rulers who once ruled Rome under its ever-expanding empire. The Romans planned and were interested in expanding their empire through Sicily, which also provided a strategic military advantage. However, there was one problem, which was that Sicily was under the control of the Carthaginians, so naturally the two empires went to war. In the end, Rome emerged victorious and conquered the empire of Carthage, and was on its way to becoming the most powerful empire in the Western Mediterranean. After Rome gained supremacy in the Western Mediterranean, it continued to invade other countries like Greece and other African states of the time. Thus triggering a chain reaction until the eventual collapse of Rome, when they could not afford to maintain their figure of authority over any country other than their own. Finally, this also causes a rupture in Roman society. Where the rich only get richer and the poor get poorer. Thus creating a period of unrest and political instability which led to Rome being plagued by riots and civil wars between politicians and..