It was a period marked by a near-continuous conflict between republicans and those seeking dictatorship, slave uprisings, and empire building. By detailing each year in turn, the reader is able to gain an understanding of how events unfolded throughout this turbulent and fascinating period of history. Where there are a number of conflicts, each is shown as a separate entry, be it the Punic Wars, Spartacus, Caesar, or Cicero. Thus, the reader is able to study a chosen area of operations in isolation while assessing its wider impact upon the Romans or their enemies.