Roman Imperialism: Readings and Sources

Rome was founded as a tiny city–state on the Tiber, yet by the first century bc it ruled nearly the entire Mediterranean world. This broad–ranging reader on Roman imperialism brings together ancient documents in translation and a selection of the best recent scholarly essays, in order to introduce students to the major problems and controversies in studying this central aspect of Roman history. This book examines diverse aspects of Roman imperialism, from the Romans’ motivations in acquiring an empire and their ideological justifications for imperial domination, to the complex political, economic, and cultural interactions between the Romans, their allies, and the subjected peoples. An introduction surveys modern work on Roman imperialism within the framework of recent theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of empires in general.

List of Figures and Maps. Acknowledgments. Introduction: The Study Of Roman Imperialism: Craige B. Champion And Arthur M. Eckstein. 1. The Growth Of Roman Power And Imperial Motivations:. Introduction To Chapter 1. Readings. On War And Greed In The Second Century Bc: W. V. Harris. Material Rewards And The Drive For Empire: Erich S. Gruen. Fear, Greed, And Glory: The Causes Of Roman War Making In The Middle Republic: John Rich. Sources. 2. Political, Social, And Economic Consquences Of Empire:. Introduction To Chapter 2. Readings. Rome And The Greek World: Economic Relationships: Michael H. Crawford. Conquerors And Slaves: Sociological Studies In Roman History: K. Hopkins. Sources. 3. Ideology And Government Of Empire:. Introduction To Chapter 3. Readings. Laus Imperii: P. A. Brunt. Rome And The Enemy: Imperial Strategy In The Principate: Susan Mattern. Sources. 4. “Romanization”: Cultural Assimilation, Hydridization, And Resistance:. Introduction To Chapter 4. Readings. Romanization In The Time Of Augustus: R. Macmullen. Becoming Roman: The Origins Of Provincial Civilization In Gaul: G. Woolf. The Barbarians Speak: How The Peoples Shaped Roman Europe: P. S. Wells. Sources. 5. The Frontier: Strategy And Defense Of Empire:. Introduction To Chapter 5. Readings. The Grand Strategy Of The Roman Empire: E. N. Luttwak. The Limits Of The Empire: The Roman Army In The East: B. Isaac. Sources. Glossary. Index.

Craige B. Champion is Assistant Professor of Ancient History in the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. He has published numerous articles on ancient history and historiography and is the author of a forthcoming book entitled, Cultural Politics in Polybius’ Histories .

"A solid production that would serve as a good textbook for an introductory, semester–long course on Roman imperialism. Its usefulness as a teaching resource is enhanced by the presence of a glossary and a very full index." Scholia