I think its fair to say that Rome became the dominant power of the Mediterranean, after the Punic Wars.
Rome truely became a nation, and was well on it's way to becoming a great empire too.
Even though it suffered setbacks; Hannibal destroyed an army, or two, Rome had the resources (manpower, etc.), to recoup her losses.
It would seem that the Roman capacity to endure hardship, was more than evident here.
This quality would later serve Rome well, as she expanded her empire.