ExpansionismPrompt: In the period after the 2nd Punic War, Rome underwent a rapid expansion. Thisexpansion was not without its challenges, however. Pick one challenge/difficulty of expansionismand evaluate how Rome handled it (including whether you think they handled it well/could havehandled it differently, etc).● 2 views of Roman expansionism○ Rome was greedily snatching up land○ versus○ Rome was dragged into conflictsNote the lack of planning and foresight for some of Rome’s early acquisitions outside of Italy(e.g., Africa). Also, Rome didn’t have a good foreign policy in place for how they would deal withallies asking for their aid, or how they would render aid to others when they were in trouble(problem of Rome acting as the “world police”). Rome’s problems with its lack of foreign policywill really come to a head in its dealings with Numidian and the Jugurthine War.● Involvement in foreign affairs (see above)● Increased number of offices; prorogation○ corruption in provinces○ installed Roman officials rather than keeping local governance in placeIf you are a Roman magistrate, you would hope to land a good province where you are mostlyleft alone to deal with the provincials as you see fit, including dealings that would increase yourwealth. That’s the perk of getting a province. Also, recall how corruption was difficult to punish,since the provincials who were harmed would have had to go to Rome to get a fair trial, anordeal that was beyond the means of most.● Role of the publicani● Provinces inside and outside of Italy: difference in treatment by Rome?After the wars between Rome and other Italian communities, we start to see more of anintegration of Italians into the fold. As Rome adds provinces outside of Italy, these peoples will beseen as outsiders, more “other” than nonRoman Italians. Compare and contrast the ways thatRome deals with integrating Italian vs. nonItalian communities municipia and allies vs.provinces.● Resources: the use of Spain; Siciliy, Sardinia, Corsica● Infrastructure in provincesIs there a need for communication with Rome when building infrastructure in the provinces? Howdoes the building of roads, aqueducts, fora, etc, in the provinces aid in the process ofRomanization?● Rebellions and uprising: SpainHow did Rome deal with the uprisings of the Lusitanians and Celtiberians in Spain? How did thishelp Rome maintain its foothold in Spain?● Loyalty of troops to commanderAs commanders abroad are given more freedom to make treaties, etc, this autonomy leads tomore troop loyalty to their commanders rather than to Rome. The distance from Rome alsoadds to the problem. We will see later how commanders use this to their advantage, and someuse it to threaten Rome itself.● Latifundia, slaves, migration to citiesAfter the Punic Wars, we see the rise of large estate farms called latifundia, and how they wipeout the small, familyowned farms (think of the soldier who planted his crops and then went onseasonal campaign; think Cincinnatus returning to his plow). The latifundia are able to flourishbecause they are dependent on cheap slave labor. This leads to the migration of poorer peopleto the cities, after they have lost their farm land.●
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