California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) Practice Test

The Punic Wars were a series of three conflicts fought between Rome and Carthage from 264 BC to 146 BC. A major consequence of these wars was the establishment of Rome as the dominant power in the Mediterranean region. This dominance resulted from several factors, including Rome's military victories which led to the expansion of their territories and influence.

After the wars, particularly following the destruction of Carthage in the Third Punic War, Rome not only solidified its control over territories in North Africa but also significantly increased its power over Spain, Sicily, and other regions. The defeat of Carthage removed a key rival and positioned Rome to influence trade and military actions throughout the Mediterranean, leading to a period of unprecedented prosperity and expansion known as the Pax Romana.

The other options suggest negative consequences for Rome, such as a weakened position or loss of alliances, which do not accurately reflect the outcomes of the wars. Instead, the wars resulted in the opposite: a strengthened Rome with a powerful hold over the Mediterranean, enabling it to engage more freely in trade, military campaigns, and cultural exchanges.