With the establishment of the Republic, the consuls took over most of the king’s functions. The relationship between patricians and plebeians was strained, to the extent that the plebeians seceded from the city on a number of occasions. They took their possessions and set up camp on the hills outside the city walls. The last secession of this kind was in 287 BC. After that, the Council of the Plebeians was established. It was an official institution protecting the rights of this class. Its vote had the effect of law.

Rome began to expand into the Italian peninsula in 340 BC. The way Rome treated its captives was unique. They were brought under the protection of the city, granted citizenship, and received specific rights by law. By 268 BC, Rome dominated most of Italy through conquered city-states, strategic garrisons, colonies and a network of allies. Then the Republic started to look beyond Italy, toward the Mediterranean and its rich trade.

In 264 BC, Rome entered into the Punic Wars against Carthage. Mostly naval and generally consisting of Roman victories, the first Punic War lasted untill 241 BC, when Carthage signed a peace treaty granting Rome complete control over Sicily. The Second Punic War began with Hannibal’s attack on the city in 221 BC. After that, Hannibal invaded Italy with a large army of mercenaries and the infamous African war elephants. He had a few triumphs, but in the long run his campaign failed. He didn’t receive enough support from Carthage. The war continued indecisively for over 16 years.

At the time, Rome was fighting a war against the Macedons as well. The Roman commander Publius Scipio captured several Carthaginian cities and invaded Africa. Carthage was facing a direct threat. Hannibal fought Scipio in Africa, and was eventually defeated in 202 BC at the Battle of Zama. Rome and Carthage reached a truce. Carthage had to pay a huge indemnity, lost its colonies, and was deprived of the right to have an army or navy.