anchor: As Greek colonial power grew weak from Athens-Sparta rivalry back home and pressure from Phoenicians in Sicily, the vacuum was filled by an uppity confederation of Latin and Sabine tribes living on seven hills known collectively as Rome.
positive: Rome came into power following the Greek's loss of colonial power due to a rivalry at home as well as Phoenician pressure in Sicily.
negative: Athens-Sparta were powerful allies that saw everything eye to eye, and the Phoenicians did everything they could to help Sicily.