Once the republic was established, the Romans began to expand their territory across Italy and beyond. They used their skills as warriors to do it. They also used their skills as engineers and administrators.
Beginning in 341 BCE, the Romans waged a chain of wars to take over neighboring lands. They first defeated the 30 allied cities called the Latin League. Then they defeated the Etruscans to the north of Rome. They also defeated the Samnites to the east. Finally, the Romans took over the Greek colonies in the south. By 272 BCE, the whole Italian Peninsula was under Roman control. The republic was set to expand its territory around the Mediterranean.
