3rd century BCE

The 3rd century BC started the first day of 300 BC and ended the last day of 201 BC. It is considered part of the Classical era, epoch, or historical period. The first few decades of the century are characterized by a balance of power between the Greek Hellenistic kingdoms in the east, and the great mercantile power of Carthage in the west. This balance is shattered when conflict arises between Carthage and the Roman Republic. In the following decades, the Carthaginian Empire is first humbled and then destroyed by the Romans in the first and second Punic wars. Following the Second Punic War, Rome becomes the most important power in the western Mediterranean. In the 3rd century BC the Xiong Nu/ were at the height of their power in Mongolia. Warring States period in China draws to a close, with Qin Shihuang conquering other nation-states and establishing the Qin dynasty, the first empire of China.
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