Wars & Revolts: Provincial & Admin

Question 1

What were the main causes of provincial resistance to Rome?

Answer 1

Cultural, religious, economic grievances; loss of autonomy; Roman taxation and exploitation.

Sources: Josephus, Jewish War 2, 7; Tacitus, Annals 12–16; Pliny, Letters VI.16, VII.24.

Question 2

What does Josephus tell us about resistance in Judaea?

Answer 2

He describes causes and consequences of Jewish revolts, blaming Roman insensitivity to Jewish religion and leadership conflicts.

Source: Josephus, Jewish War 2.117–166; Book 7 (aftermath).

Question 3

What does Tacitus say about resistance in the provinces?

Answer 3

Tacitus records rebellions in Gaul, Britain, and Germany, often blaming provincial governors’ cruelty and Roman arrogance.

Source: Tacitus, Annals 12.31–40 (Britain), 14.29–39 (Boudica), 15.6–8.

Question 4

How did Hadrian try to manage and control the provinces?

Answer 4

Focused on consolidation, Romanization, and defence—e.g. building Hadrian’s Wall, promoting cities.

Sources: Historia Augusta, Hadrian 13–15; Suetonius (referenced in HA); Josephus (context for Judaea); Pliny, Letters VI.16.

Question 5

What was the Jewish reaction to Hadrian’s founding of Aelia Capitolina?

Answer 5

Seen as an insult—building a pagan city and temple on Jerusalem’s ruins led to the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132–135 AD).

Sources: Historia Augusta, Hadrian 14; Josephus, Jewish War 7.437–453 (precursor context).

Question 6

What does Pliny’s correspondence reveal about provincial administration?

Answer 6

Shows daily administrative issues—local disputes, imperial loyalty, urban planning, slavery.

Source: Pliny, Letters X.96–97 (Christians), VI.16, V.6 (governance & letters to emperor).

Question 7

What insights do the Vindolanda Tablets give us into local administration?

Answer 7

Personal letters, supply requests, and military reports show how local and military officials managed border life.

Sources: Vindolanda Tablets (e.g., Tab. Vindol. II 291 – request for more beer!).

Question 8

What does Seneca reveal about the role of civic officials?

Answer 8

Advocates moral governance; highlights disparity between Roman ideals and provincial reality.

Source: Seneca, Moral Letters 18, 47.

Question 9

How did archaeological remains at Timgad and Athens reflect Hadrian’s policies?

Answer 9

Timgad: Urban Roman grid system and forums show colonization. Athens: Grand building projects reflect cultural Roman-Greek fusion.

Sources: Historia Augusta, Hadrian 20–21; Pliny, Letters VIII.16.

Question 10

To what extent did civic magistrates control the provinces?

Answer 10

They managed daily affairs but were subordinate to governors and imperial officials; local power depended on Roman tolerance.

Sources: Tacitus, Annals 14.29–39; Pliny, Letters IV.13, V.6; Seneca, Moral Letters 18, 47.