The Roman republic was very successful, and continued for five centuries. However, after being wrecked by numerous civil wars, the republic was transformed into an emperor run Principate. ... One of the main reasons for the expansion of Rome was victory in the three Punic wars that occurred between 264 and 146 B.C.
Sundiata took over Ghana. Mansa Musa brought Muslim scholars, artists, and teachers to Mali. Mali became the center of trans-Saharan trade. Songhai overtook Mali.
