The Punic Wars were a series of three conflicts between Rome and Carthage, a powerful Phoenician city-state in North Africa. The First Punic War (264-241 BC) was fought over control of Sicily, which was eventually ceded to Rome. The Second Punic War (218-201 BC) was more protracted and saw Hannibal, the Carthaginian general, invade Italy itself. However, Rome eventually prevailed and Carthage was forced to pay a heavy indemnity and cede further territory. The Third Punic War (149-146 BC) was a final attempt by Carthage to regain its independence, but it was defeated and destroyed by Rome.
The Gallic Wars (58-51 BC)
The Gallic Wars were a series of campaigns waged by Julius Caesar against the Gallic tribes in Gaul (modern-day France). Caesar's goal was to secure the frontier of the Roman province of Gallia Narbonensis and to expand Roman influence into Gaul. The wars were largely successful and resulted in the conquest of Gaul and its incorporation into the Roman Empire.
The Mithridatic Wars (88-63 BC)
The Mithridatic Wars were a series of three wars between Rome and Mithridates VI, the king of Pontus (in modern-day Turkey). Mithridates was a powerful and ambitious ruler who sought to expand his kingdom at the expense of Rome. The wars were eventually won by Rome, but they proved to be a costly and protracted struggle.
The Civil Wars (49-30 BC)
The Roman Civil Wars were a series of conflicts between rival Roman factions for control of the Roman Republic. The most notable of these conflicts were the First Civil War (49-45 BC), the Second Civil War (44-42 BC), and the Third Civil War (32-30 BC). The civil wars resulted in the fall of the Republic and the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus Caesar.