The Rule of Roman Empire in the 1st Century, Essay Example

Augustus established Rome’s destiny as an imperial power by attempting to solidify and govern the haphazard and vaguely defined boundaries of Roman conquests (Halsall). Depending on the circumstances, this purpose was achieved in one of two ways: by winning military battles and investing in expanding their borders or by providing security to the people of the toppled kingdoms (Halsall). The Asian Minor, for example, was threatened by the Seythian and Parthian empires (Trueman).

Claudius’ war on Britain was the finest way for the Roman Empire to acquire other nations. This was a personal demonstration to the populace that he would conquer and consolidate other cities to rule over them. Because the British were one of the most thoroughly vetted allies for assisting collapsed kingdoms such as the rebellious Gaulish tribe, Rome could not afford to take chances because this was a guarantee of political and economic stability (MacMullen). The Romans were so powerful that Britain was conquered and assimilated into the Roman way of life. This was impacted by the economic expansion and urbanization (cities such as Camulodunum) that the Romans were delivering to the people (Halsall).

Claudius did not give up on his aim of bringing development to the Romans, and he continued to pursue developments and the construction of leadership systems with different provinces. In Gaul, he founded “coloniae” and “municipiae” (Halsall). He also attempted to include provincials in higher levels of Roman government, particularly the Senate, highlighting the provinces’ developing equality with the Italian homeland, to which they had previously been completely subordinate (Little). Following his death, Claudius was succeeded by Vespasian, who governed with his sons Domitan and Titus, establishing yet another hopeful reign. The two proceeded to battle with Germany and took control of the Rhine in the east, where he strengthened the economy (Trueman). On the other hand, the Roman Empire was not to exist much longer: forces were at work both at home and abroad to bring the empire to a protracted and painful end (Trueman).

Ideas, Institutions, and Practices That Attracted People to the Capitol in Rome

Expansion: Instead of just conquering other kingdoms, Rome used diplomacy to attain its objectives (Trueman). Even when it defeated a kingdom in battle, it would frequently integrate the new kingdom into the empire with a soft touch. These new communities would be required to send men to the Roman military and possibly pay taxes, but otherwise would be free to do as they pleased. They were given Rome’s protection and ultimately became part of a huge regional coalition (Christopher).

Political stability: Because leaders can be replaced, republicans can be very adaptable and stable. When Rome was defeated, even if it was a catastrophic defeat, they were able to absorb the blow and strike again (Trueman). Even when the Republic’s Consuls (leaders) were killed, Rome was able to hobble through and win. Furthermore, the Roman political system guaranteed basic rights to its citizenry (Little). Instead of being picked solely on birth, leaders were chosen based on ability and success. This wasn’t perfect by any means, but it was a lot better than a monarchy (MacMullen).

Justice system: The Romans acknowledged fairness as the most essential value in their governance (Trueman). Rome’s conquest of its empire and oppression of the countries inside it was unsurpassed in terms of slaughter and savagery. Its power was founded on institutional violence against slaves, the poor, and subjugated people, as well as enormous social disparities (Christopher).

Bravery: Any other nation would have sought terms and surrendered in some battles. On the other hand, Rome was tenacious, and a significant defeat was nothing more than a blip on the radar on the way to complete victory. For this reason, Rome was an unbeatable foe: even if you defeated them, they would keep coming (Halsall).

Military: During this time, men were divided into groups based on their financial position. All military logistics were acquired and funded by the wealthy. They bought weapons they required for their troops, allowing them to conduct military operations in the country (Little). Men without property were not eligible for military service, and despite having the largest population, the poorest Romans were assigned to the fewest number of centuries for voting purposes (Halsall).

Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

Throughout the 5th century, the Western Empire gradually fell into barbarian hands. Rome made alliances with other nations with gaps in their military force, such as the Germans, to allow them to dwell among them with the guarantee of security from other hostile powers, and it was in this manner that the barbarians conquered most of Europe (Halsall). The plan to takeover of Rome was meticulously planned. After capturing Rome’s last resource, Vandals settled in Spain, Huns in Pannonia, and Ostrogoths in Dalmatia (Christopher).

When Romulus, the last Emperor, died, things got even worse. They tried to coexist with the Romans for a few decades, but the babarians were too strong, and the Musli Turks conquered the nation (MacMullen). The causes of this magnificent Empire’s demise are more complicated than the simple string of military setbacks described above (Trueman). In other words, the empire had outgrown its resources. Extending borders necessitated a massive army, which was always a significant drain on revenues, resulting in a more bloated bureaucracy: The locals dined with their foes and plotted against them in this way. The barbarian conquests began with the barbarians seizing control of the cities vulnerable to them then proceeded to Rome (Little).

Political rivalry arose as a result of overpopulation. The economy collapsed, and civil war broke out. There were insufficient resources for everyone, and manpower was reduced. Inflation took hold, and their currency’s value plummeted (Trueman). Roman society had become stiff and calcified during a period of economic depression and bureaucratic stagnation. The empire’s relentless pressure on its boundaries, as well as the constant demand for more troops and taxes, reinforced all of these factors (Halsall).

Conclusion

Rome came to be one of powerful states during the first century. This was influenced by the military power, a stabilized political structure, vision to be economic effluent, and good relations they formed with “weak nations.” The Mediterranean world, as well as Rome itself, were affected as a result of this expansion (Trueman). New institutions, such as provincial governments, were established to deal with empire management; culture was transformed as outside influences, particularly from Greece, became fashionable in Rome (Trueman). But later, the Empire fell, which resulted from massive extensions of its boundaries that caused massive inflation and combined revolt from neighboring governing leaders.

Works Cited

Christopher, Kelly. Ruling the Later Roman Empire. Harvard University Press, 2021.

Halsall, Paul. Medieval Sourcebook: Procopius: Secret History, extracts. New York: Fordham University, 2021.

Little Becky. How Far Did Ancient Rome Spread? 20 August 2019. <https://www.history.com/news/ancient-roman-empire-map-julius-caesar-conquests>.

MacMullen, Ramsay. Changes in the Roman Empire. Princeton Legacy Library, 5435, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780691198057.

Trueman, C N. The Roman Empire. 16 March 2015. <https://www.historylearningsite.co.uk/ancient-rome/the-roman-empire/>.