Rome and the Provinces

Question 1

What is an empire?

Answer 1

A large, composite, multi-ethnic or multi-national political unit, usually created by conquest, and divided between a dominant center and subordinate, sometimes far distant peripheries (Howe)..

Question 2

Roman Imperium

Answer 2

Power to give commands
Right to use violence
Not valid within the pomerium
Citizenship extended gradually to conquered peoples

Question 3

Military Expansion

Answer 3

Immense military power
Rigorously trained and equipped armies
Expansion through conquest
Brutal suppression of rebellious territories

Question 4

Cultural Persuasion (Romanization)

Answer 4

Stability through cultural attachment
Adoption of Latin, Roman dress, and habits
Incorporation into Roman institutions

Question 5

Individual Romanization

Answer 5

Adoption of Roman dress and language
Education of provincial elites in Rome
Homes in provinces modeled after Italian villas

Question 6

Syncretic Religion

Answer 6

Polytheistic pantheon syncretized
Inclusion of new deities from diverse territories
Imperial cult for connection with “Roman” identity

Question 7

Urban Space

Answer 7

Consistent city models in conquered territories
Defensive walls, grid system, central forums
Public baths, theaters, financed by local elites

Question 8

Tacitus’ Agricola

Answer 8

Biography of Gnaeus Julius Agricola
Explores imperial project and Romanization
Relationship to peoples on Rome’s periphery

Question 9

Tacitus’ Britons

Answer 9

Romans corrupt simple Britons with luxury
Loss of manliness, restraint, and frugality
Luxuries as part of “Romanization”

Question 10

Calgacus’ Speech

Answer 10

Caledonian leader’s critique of Romans
Accuses Romans of making a desert and calling it peace
Questions Roman notion of “empire”