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Roman Empire - Repertoires of Rule

5 important questions on Roman Empire - Repertoires of Rule

What was the military organization?

First: citizen soldiers, allies that supplied additional forces, spoils and allegiances driving further conquest
Then: professional standing army, auxiliaries with prospect of citizenship
Finally: strategically placed legionary bases

What was the Roman administration?

1. First: Republican patchwork:

Various levels of autonomy of different subjugated peoples
Internal power balance with senate, consuls, councils

2. Later: Provincial structure:

Bureaucracy around governors
Governors for tax collection and military control
Local elites
Roman law complementary to local customs and law

What was the role of colonization?

A tool in expansion and the transformation of conquered areas
Colonies were transformed into Urban centers:

Fortified cities that functioned as administrative and population centers
Bringers of roman culture

What was the role of infrastructure?

Road building -> communication within the empire
Ports -> trade, communication systems
Land divisions

What was the role of ideology, cult and religion?

1. Ideology and cult to legitamize rule
2. Ideology and cult to make itself visible in the provinces (f.e. statues of the emperor)
3. Locals used Roman ideology and culture to connect to the imperial culture