Classical+Civilizations+mh

=Rome Spreads its Power=

For many years after the founding of the republic, Rome wanted to expand its territories through trade and conquest. Though the roman power grew slowly, it was a steady growth. They battled for control of the Italian peninsula and by the fourth century b.c., defeated central Italy. However, it didn't stop there. for more than two centuries after 265 b.c., Roman power spread much further than Italy. Where Rome was located was a perfect place to trade food, raw materials, and other goods from different lands. However, other powerful cities interfered with the Roman's access to trading. Carthage was the city that interfered the most. In 264 b.c., Rome and Carthage went to war against each other. This was the start of the long struggles and hardships known as the Punic War.