1. With their victory in the Punic Wars, the Romans were able to transform the Mediterranean into mare nostrum, "our sea." How did this come about? Trace the conflict between Rome and Carthage from beginning to end. Why did the Romans prevail?

2. The Roman Republic underwent two great social upheavals: the Struggle of the Orders and the civil wars of the late Republic. Compare these two upheavals in terms of causes, participants, and results. Who profited in each case? Was Rome better off after each upheaval? Explain your answer.