The Punic Wars took place in Sicily between Roman soldiers and the Mamertimes over control of the region. While the wars were occurring, the Romans hoped to stop the expansion of Carthage. Rome was located near Greece and Italy, with Sicily farther south. When the Romans raised taxes, the money was often spent lavishly and selfishly by the military on unnecessary buildings. Romans obtained many goods through trade with other lands since items from elsewhere were novel in Ancient Rome. Christianity spread among Romans but Christians faced persecution for their beliefs. The Latin language and Roman Catholicism with belief in one God, Jesus Christ, also became prominent. Aqueducts helped transport water into homes while concrete roads and Greek ideas expanded infrastructure, learning