Another important element that Rome employed to keep peace in the conquered lands was an efficient road building project. It's very interesting how they built roads in a straight line, so that Roman soldiers can react swiftly if there were any uprisings. Undoubtedly, this helped maintain peace in the Italian peninsula. I never would have put together that straight roads could help maintain peace.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Conquering 101 - Roman Style
I thoroughly enjoyed the article that describes the various conflicts the Romans were engaged in and how Rome became a power. The most interesting aspect was how the Romans were unique in their strategies with conquered cities and peoples. For example, they did not destroy the cities they conquered, instead incorporated the province and sometimes gave them the same rights afforded to Roman citizens. In some cases, they even granted complete autonomy. I wonder who is credited in Roman history with the strategy of successfully holding onto to conquered land. It seems until this time, this strategy was not effectively implemented.
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I also found it very interesting how the Roman Empire realized that the cultures and societies they conquered were more easily held when they were allowed some of their freedoms. This I believe was one of their practices that allowed them to stay a stable power for so long and over such a vast distance. There was not complete peace and servitude in their conquered lands, but there seemed to be lesser contention with the freedoms they were allowed.
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