Conquests of the Republic Ancient Rome Mr. Blais

Conquering Italy Between 500 B.C.E. and 250 B.C.E. Rome fought numerous wars against their neighbors on the Italian Peninsula. There first major conflict was against the Latin Confederation in the South. With their Samnite Allies (A strong power to the south and east in the Apennines Mountains) they defeated the Latin Confederation in 338 B.C.E.

Conquering Italy (cont.) Rome’s growing power soon conflicted with the growing power of the Samnites. Rome and the Samnites fought a series of three wars between B.C.E. The battles were numerous, the allies on both sides constantly changing, but Rome finally defeated the Samnites in 290 B.C.E. The Latins, Sabines, Samnites, and Etrsucans were now all a part of Rome and Roman society.

Conquering Italy (cont.) Rome now controlled all of central Italy but their neighbors to the south would be their toughest fight to date. The southern ports were mostly Greek outposts and the Greek phalanxes were expertly commanded Rome met defeat after defeat at the hands of the Greeks for 5 years. Luckily their alliance with Carthage forced the Greeks to spread out their forces and enabled the Romans to gain the upper hand. The Romans conquered all of southern Italy by 272 and would then, not surprisingly, turn on Carthage.

The Macedonian Wars During the Second Punic War Hannibal allied himself with Philip V of Macedon in hopes or getting help in Italy Initially Rome sent a force to Macedonia to stop Macedonian forces from going to Italy. But after the Second Punic War was over Rome actively attacked Philip V. They soundly defeated him in a number of battles, with the help of rebellious factions under Philip V’s control. Rome now established a Protectorate over Greece and Egypt (who had both been under threat from Philip V)

The Eastern Wars After war with Philip V all of his previous possessions (except Macedonia) became Protectorates of Rome. The King of Syria soon invaded these protectorates of Rome (seen as easy targets) and Rome sent an army in response. The Syrian army lacked discipline, as did their King, and Rome soundly defeated them, even though Rome was outnumbered. Syria surrendered many eastern possessions to Rome, adding to her territory and wealth.

The Conquest of Greece Now Rome’s interests in Eastern Europe were increasing. At the first sign of the Macedonians rearming and expanding, Rome declared war again in 171 B.C.E. Macedonia and Greece were divided into small republics and Rome quickly conquered each, ending with the burning and destruction of Corinth By 146 B.C.E. Macedonia and all of Greece was completely conquered and turned into Roman provinces

Carthage between the Punic War After the Second Punic War Carthage could only wage war with Rome’s approval. So Carthage’s neighbor Numidia (ally of Rome) kept taking pieces of their territory They appealed to Rome for help/permission and instead of helping Rome demanded 300 children of noble families and that the Carthaginians move their city away from the ocean and outside their fortified walls. Carthage blatantly refused and prepared for its city’s defense.

The Third Punic War The Carthaginians banded together and put all their people to work making weapons and preparing for a siege of their beloved city. Rome expected a quick siege but Carthage’s will to survive and their seemingly impenetrable walls kept the Romans at bay for 3 long years In 146 B.C.E. Carthage finally fell and its people were slaughtered and sold into slavery. She would never rise again and this territory now became a Roman province