It was not until 272 BC with the capture of Tarentum, the annexation of Sicily in 241 BC, and the period following the First Punic War that Romans were exposed to a strong influence of Greek thought and lifestyle and found leisure to study the arts.
It wasn't until 272 BC, with the capture of Tarentum, the incorporation of Sicily in 241 BC, and the aftermath of the First Punic War that Romans were exposed to a significant Greek cultural influence, which enabled them to engage in artistic studies.