Figure 5.2: MAPPING THE PASTMAP 5.2 Roman Expansion During the Republic, ca. 282–44 B.C.E. Rome expanded in all directions, first west and then east, eventually controlling every shore of the Mediterranean.ANALYZING THE MAP Which years saw the greatest expansion of Roman power during the republic? How might the different geographic features have helped or hindered the expansion into certain areas?CONNECTIONS What allowed the Romans to maintain their power across such a wide and diverse area?