Which statement BEST describes the effect of the Punic Wars on Rome?

A) After a hard-fought war, Sparta emerged victorious, but was unable to keep power.

B) After the wars, Rome was unable to defend its northern borders and fell to the Gauls.

C) Following its defeat of Carthage, Rome became the dominant force in the Mediterranean region.

D) Deflated by Rome’s loss, philosophers and poets expressed their sadness in new forms of art.