The process by which the Romans became the masters of the Mediterranean world spanned several centuries, roughly from the late 3rd century BCE to the 2nd century CE. This transformation began with the Roman Republic's expansion during the Punic Wars (264-146 BCE), particularly its conflicts with Carthage. By the time of the establishment of the Roman Empire under Augustus in the late 1st century BCE and the subsequent consolidation of power throughout the Mediterranean in the ensuing decades, Rome had largely established its dominance.
In summary, the Romans took several centuries, approximately 300 years, to become the masters of the Mediterranean world, from their early conquests in the 3rd century BCE to the peak of their territorial expansion in the 2nd century CE.
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