The Roman Republic was established in 509 BC and expanded through military conquests like the Punic Wars against Carthage between 264-146 BC. This granted Rome control of the Mediterranean and led to the transition from republic to empire under rulers like Julius Caesar and Augustus. The Pax Romana period between 27 BC to 180 AD brought peace and prosperity to the Roman Empire under the rule of the Five Good Emperors and a link between government and traditional Roman religion.

1. The Roman Republic

2. 509 B.C. Rome becomes a republic . 264 B.C. The First Punic War with Carthage begins . 218 B.C. In the Second Punic War, Hannibal invades Italy . 44 B.C. Conspirators kill Julius Caesar . A.D. 284 Diocletian, who will divide the Roman Empire, becomes emperor. A.D. 476 Western Roman Empire falls with the ouster of the last emperor, Romulus Augustulus . 500 B.C.

6. Rome’s growth and decline over the years.

7. According to legend, Rome was founded Romulus and Remus, twin sons of Mars

23. Carthage’s areas of influence before the First Punic War.

25. They weren’t all that far apart.

34. The Second Triumvirate Civil War after death of Julius Caesar destroyed what was left of the Republic