The 2nd century BCE was a period in ancient history that lasted from 200 to 101 BCE. It was marked by significant political and cultural developments across various regions, including the rise of the Roman Republic and the expansion of its territory. This century also saw the decline of the Seleucid Empire and the emergence of the Han Dynasty in China, which played a crucial role in shaping East Asian history. In the Mediterranean, the century was characterized by conflicts such as the Macedonian Wars and the Punic Wars, which involved the Carthaginian and Roman powers. Additionally, this era witnessed advancements in philosophy, science, and art, with notable figures like Zeno of Citium and Euclid contributing to intellectual thought.