Three crucial events that had a major impact on the development of Rome were the Punic Wars, The Revolt of the Gracchi, and the Social Wars. All three of these events took place in the era considered the Roman Republic, but Rome was already operating as an empire before it was officially established during the reign of Augustus (27 BCE - AD 14).
The Punic Wars (264-146 BCE) marked the most important phase of Rome's expansion. As the Romans expanded on the Italian peninsula they came into conflict with their neighbors leading war and conquest. When Rome approached the island of Sicily this brought them into direct conflict with Carthage - the most powerful force in the Mediterranean world at the time. In order to compete with Carthage Rome had to raise a navy for the first time. After a series of wars, Rome was able to defeat Carthage and eliminate it as a potential threat and establish itself as the dominant power throughout the Mediterranean.
The Revolt of the Gracchi (133-122 BCE) relates to internal struggles in Roman society and relates back to the earlier Struggle of the Orders (494-287 BCE). Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus were brothers who both served in the position of tribune and, though being patricians, pushed for reforms favoring the plebeians. Some of their reforms, such as the redistribution land, were too radical for many Roman Senators and patricians. This led to the assassination of Tiberius and the death of Gaius in a failed revolt. The importance of episode is threefold: illustrates the continuing class struggle in Rome, the possibility of gaining political power with the support of the masses, and the use of violence for political means.
A third event that is often overlooked is the Social War (90-89 BCE). This war was between Rome and some of its Italian allies over the issue of citizenship. The war was particularly brutal with Rome suffering early defeats but eventually emerging as the victor. While victorious, Rome did offer concessions to its Italian allies creating a more uniform citizenry on the peninsula. The war also helped advance the career of Roman generals, such as Sulla.
War was a big factor in shaping the Roman Empire. The rise of Rome took place after the Punic Wars against Carthage. After that, Roman armies were victorious in actions against the Persia, Greece, and Gaul. This enabled Rome to expand its borders. It was not until the latter days of the Roman Empire that the Roman Army did suffer, most notably against the Gothic kingdoms of Germany.
Another big factor was the development of engineering in the empire. Roman roads continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages. Roman aqueducts are still in use hundreds of years after their creation. The Coliseum is considered a top tourist destination in Rome and is the model on which all modern stadiums are built. Roman baths were quite luxurious and used running water and steam rooms. This lost technology would not be replicated in the West until the Renaissance.
The last factor is cultural assimilation. The Roman pantheon of gods has a lot in common with the Greek pantheon. Roman infantry had a lot in common with the Greek hoplite. Constantine was able to unite the Roman empire under the banner of Christianity in order to assimilate that religious sect and bring unity to a splintering empire. Part of the fall of Rome can be explained through an inability to assimilate the mercenaries used during the end of the empire. The unassimilated Goths and Vandals resented Rome and sought to destroy the city.
You may notice that all of these factors are connected to trade. Conquest gave Rome new areas for trade. The infrastructure system made trade easier. Cultural assimilation was made easier through the acquisition of trade goods in the empire.
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