The Roman Empire was a strong hold over the Mediterranean for many years. Being the goal of most all world leaders, the Romans wanted land along with their power. They set their eyes on the valuable lands around them and the Mediterranean world as well as parts of Northern Europe and Asia. The Roman civilization and culture was much influenced by the Phonetians and Greeks. Later, the Romans were in control of these lands and their people. Three of their prize provinces held at much value to them were Thrace, Macedonia, and Greece. These three lands were all located in the same area, providing a throughway to Rome for trade routes from China and the Middle East. Thrace, being on the south western coast of the Black Sea made it easy for the Romans to sail farther inland to what is today Russia. Greece was located on the Agean Sea and Macedonia was to the north of it tieing all three provinces together. Before Romans conquered Greece, there was a great civilization in itself that has influenced much of the Western culture of today. The Greeks were people that believe in beauty and the good of life. They people had a well developed government system, religion, architectural advances, literature, and beautiful art. Many scholars and philosophers had begun to discover the longtime mysteries of the world. The Greeks had a system of writing and were very well educated. They were eventually taken over by king Philip V of Macedonia. He made an alliance with Greece and gave them military aid in order for control of their government and people. King Philip dreamed to make Macedonia a world power and intended on starting in the Mediterranean. Rome had also set these same goals for their future and there was nothing stopping them. One of Philip's allies, Hannibal, went against him and fought him for Macedonia. The Macedonians allied with the Carthaginians and the Romans with the Aetolian League.