List of Roman external wars and battles

Rome in 753 BC

List of Roman External Wars and Battles covers the numerous military engagements that the Roman Republic and later the Roman Empire were involved in outside their borders. This list encompasses a wide range of conflicts from small skirmishes to full-scale wars that Rome engaged in from the foundation of the city in the 8th century BC until the fall of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century AD.

Early Republic (509–264 BC)

During the early Republic, Rome's military engagements were primarily with neighboring Latin, Etruscan, and Samnite tribes. Notable wars include:

• Roman-Etruscan Wars: A series of conflicts against the Etruscans to the north of Rome. Rome gradually expanded its territory by defeating the Etruscans in battles such as the Battle of Veii.
• Samnite Wars: Fought between Rome and the Samnites, these wars were crucial for Rome's control over central and southern Italy.

Mid Republic (264–133 BC)

This period was marked by Rome's expansion outside Italy, notably through the Punic Wars against Carthage.

• First Punic War (264–241 BC): Rome's first major overseas war, which ended with Rome's victory and the acquisition of Sicily.
• Second Punic War (218–201 BC): Marked by Hannibal's invasion of Italy, it ended with Rome's decisive victory at the Battle of Zama.
• Macedonian Wars: A series of conflicts against the Hellenistic kingdoms in the east, leading to the expansion of Roman influence in the eastern Mediterranean.

Late Republic (133–27 BC)

The Late Republic saw Rome becoming the dominant power in the Mediterranean world through a series of conflicts:

• Jugurthine War: Rome's war against Jugurtha of Numidia, which showcased the corruption and incompetence of the Roman Senate.
• Cimbrian War: A series of battles against the Cimbri and Teutones, culminating in the Roman victory at the Battle of Vercellae.
• Mithridatic Wars: Rome's conflicts with Mithridates VI of Pontus, highlighting Rome's struggle to assert its dominance in Asia Minor.

Early Empire (27 BC–AD 284)

The early Empire period was characterized by consolidation and expansion of the borders:

• Roman-British Wars: Including the initial conquest of Britain and subsequent campaigns to pacify the region.
• Jewish-Roman Wars: A series of revolts in Judea against Roman rule, including the Great Jewish Revolt that led to the destruction of the Second Temple.
• Marcomannic Wars: Conflicts against Germanic tribes along the Danube frontier, significant for the challenges they posed to Roman territorial integrity.

Late Empire (AD 284–476)

In the late Empire, Rome faced increasing pressure on its borders from various barbarian groups:

• Gothic Wars: Including the Battle of Adrianople, where the Roman army suffered a devastating defeat against the Goths.
• Hunnic Invasions: Invasions by the Huns, including Attila's invasion of Gaul and Italy, which strained the resources of the Western Roman Empire.
• Vandalic War: The campaign led by the Eastern Roman Empire to reclaim North Africa from the Vandals, marking a temporary restoration of Roman power in the region.

Throughout its history, Rome's military engagements were crucial in shaping the Mediterranean world. These wars and battles not only expanded Roman territory but also played a significant role in the cultural and political development of the Roman state.