The Roman Empire expanded over several centuries, gradually conquering neighbouring territories and establishing control over the Mediterranean region. Key events include the Punic Wars, the conquest of Gaul, and the expansion into Asia Minor and Egypt.

Source A: Excerpt from a Roman historian

'Rome's rise was marked by relentless military campaigns and strategic alliances, which allowed it to dominate its rivals and expand its borders.' Provenance: Historian Livy, 1st century BC.

Create a timeline of the major events in Roman expansion. Use the dates provided and your knowledge to order them correctly:

• 264 BC: Start of the First Punic War
• 146 BC: Destruction of Carthage
• 58 BC: Julius Caesar begins conquest of Gaul
• 27 BC: Augustus becomes the first Roman Emperor
• 31 BC: Battle of Actium and the rise of Augustus
• 27 BC – AD 14: Reign of Augustus, expansion continues
• AD 43: Roman invasion of Britain

Source B: A chronological list of Roman expansion events

'The Roman expansion was a gradual process that involved many military campaigns and political changes.' Provenance: Roman history textbook, 2nd century AD.

Roman expansion was achieved through military conquest, alliances, and colonization. The Roman legions played a key role, along with strategic treaties and settlement policies.

Source C: Excerpt from a Roman military manual

'Victory in battle was essential, but forming alliances allowed Rome to extend influence without direct confrontation.' Provenance: Roman military handbook, 1st century AD.