First Punic War

The Punic Wars thrust Rome onto center stage in world politics, diplomacy and warfare. The First Punic War began with the invasion of Sicily, and after 23 exhausting years of conflict with Carthage, Rome was the master of the Mediterranean sea, and the fledgling Empire had added its first 2 provinces. Despite Rome's moderate victory, the first Punic War was only a indication of things to come over the next century, in the ultimate battle for Mediterranean dominance.