Now I'm curious where you draw the line.
For me, I don't really see a definitive fall of republic and rise of empire. Maybe I like Gibbon too much, but I like the idea of republic in decline and that starting a series of events that would lead to the rise of empire.
But if I had to pick a point that marks the peak I think somewhere around the full defeat of Carthage is when the Republic as a concept started to wane and groundwork for "Emporers" was beginning.
I bet if I look around I'll find your line.