What is the significance of 146 BC to Rome?

I just love ancient Rome and Greece questions!

I think their wars against the Greeks lasted a bit longer...

All Empires are tyrannical. It comes with the territory. Rome is phenomenal in that a muddy little backwater became an enduring and magnificent Empire that influenced world history, culture and ethos. They first appropriated Etruscan art and culture. They stole with gusto Greek religion, culture, art, military tactics et al. Romans were the Japanese of the ancient world. They indulged in espionage, copied and improved on foreign technology. Whatever they were, the Romans were excellent engineers. However, the Pax Romana was very brutally kept. Being a Roman citizen was also highly prized.