Roman Timeline of the 3rd Century BC
The 3rd century BC was a period of significant events and changes in the Roman Republic. Here is a timeline highlighting some of the key moments during this century:
- 264 BC: The start of the First Punic War between Rome and Carthage over control of Sicily.
- 218 BC: Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, famously crosses the Alps with his army to invade Italy, initiating the Second Punic War.
- 202 BC: The Battle of Zama marks the end of the Second Punic War with a decisive Roman victory over Carthage.
- 197 BC: The Roman general Scipio Africanus defeats the Seleucid King Antiochus III at the Battle of Magnesia, expanding Roman influence into the eastern Mediterranean.
- 146 BC: The destruction of Carthage by Roman forces after the Third Punic War, marking the end of the Carthaginian Empire.
- 133 BC: Tiberius Gracchus, a Roman tribune, proposes land reforms to address social issues, leading to political unrest.
- 73 BC: Spartacus leads a slave revolt against Rome, known as the Third Servile War.
- 63 BC: Roman general Pompey captures Jerusalem, incorporating Judea into the Roman Republic.
These events shaped the course of Roman history during the 3rd century BC, setting the stage for the rise of the Roman Empire in the following centuries.