Roman Empire - Explaining Early Roman Imperialism

7 important questions on Roman Empire - Explaining Early Roman Imperialism

What are traditional views on Roman expansion? (Teological views)

  • The expansionist masterplan:  colonies on strategic locations + roads to better connect roman environments with the moving frontier -> expansion
  • Romanization through colonies

Why was the Roman Empire succesful?

1. Flexibility in strategies
  • Flexible system of statuses (citizenship, Latins, allies)
  • Aimed at optimal extraction (taxes, soldiers)
2. Systemic context: growth of some main polities. With increasing interactions necessity to form alliances -> thus smaller polities were forced to join an imperial bid -> imperial expansion inevitable?

What is agressive imperialism? (expansion)

  • Rooted in warrior society
  • Elite competition
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What is economic imperialism? (expansion)

  • Desire for loot and bounty
  • Entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Population pressure

What is defensive imperialism? (expansion)


Rome responded to changes in power balances and merely conquered new areas to defend itself

What is empire by invitation? (expansion)

  • Aided other, smaller polities that were treatened by other polities
  • What is elite network? (expansion)

    • Elite networks cross-cut city state or ethnic boundaries
    • Build networks to enhance their position of power and private agenda's

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