Western History 41: How did Roman influence extend after the Punic Wars?

Roman attention was turned toward Macedonia. The two powers had already fought a war between 214-205 BCE but it was in the Second War fought between 200-196 BCE that Roman victory was most pronounced (The Romans would defeat the Macedonians in a third war fought between 172-168 BCE as well).

Roman hegemony was challenged by the Galatians (in Magnesia), the Lusitanians (ancestors of the Portuguese), Pergamon, Rhodes, the Boii and various Iberian groups but with limited success only.

In 146 BCE the Romans sacked Corinthia, dissolved the Achaean League, and officially stamped their footprint as successors to the Greeks in carrying the mantle of Western Civilization.

Celtiberian resistance collapsed at Numantia circa.133 BCE in an event categorized by a mass suicide. In the years that followed Roman expansion would move into the Gallic lands (France).