Sample Solution

In spite of the possible motivation and challenges, Rome did see benefits from expansion. The most obvious benefit was the accumulation of large amounts of territory, increasing the reach of Roman power, taxation, and cultural influence. Expansion also lead to infrastructural innovation such as the implementation of a new sewer system and an aqueduct that allowed for the actual city itself to expand and for the quality of life to improve for all classes. By the time of the second century Rome was accumulating massive wealth through taxation and resources from the territories they acquired. This lead to the creation of a new bourgeoisie upper middle class called the equestrians; wealth and property were now no longer exclusively reserved for only the aristocracy and nobility. This new class, as well as the honor and fame associated with successful soldiers in war allowed for mobility between classes that was not commonly seen before. This mobility also allowed for equestrians to become publicans, a political position in which they are responsible for managing a province within the Roman Empire. Class mobility is significant because it creates a better standard of life for citizens of Rome and gave rise to many prominent political figures such as Cato the Elder who were able to rise from a lower class. This mobility was often due to military success, creating a larger and lengthier reward to being apart of the military. As discussed previously, the army held many severe consequences for those who failed or betrayed them, but equally grand rewards for those who are successful. Polybius writes, “For the rest of their lives, the men who were saved revere their rescuers like fathers and feel obliged to serve them in every way, as a son would a father. These incentives inspire not only those present in the ranks but also those back home to strive to outdo each other on the battlefield.” (Polybius 377) This passage indicates the social reward such as fame and glory, as well as the tangible rewards such as weaponry and wealth that awaited soldiers that were successful. Men like Cato the Elder were able to use this fame and success from the military to become politicians and hold great sway over the Roman Empire. The incorporation of new cultures, specifically Greek culture, into the Roman Empire is yet another way that Roman expansion falls into a grey area. On one hand Roman culture willingly took much from the Greeks such as the model for their gods and theater. On the other, there was a significant push back against this merger as many element of Roman culture and ideals did not mesh well with the Greek culture and other places that now fell under Roman rule. One example of this pushback was towards the religious cults that were coming to Rome, specifically that of the Dionysus cult, to which the senate responded by implementation legal restrictions on these groups. Cato the Elder was one of the most outspoken in the opposition of Greek culture. Cato very much idealized the idea of traditional Roman values, and the image of the Roman farmer soldier. This is displayed in the writing of Plutarch who writes, “Here he was, the greatest Roman of his time, who had subdued the most belligerent tribes, and driven Pyrrhus out of Italy. Yet, he tilled this tiny plot of land himself and lived in this simple cottage – even after his three triumphs!” (Plutarch 334) As a prominent public figure, he had influence over the way the public perceived the world around them. His viewpoints idealized the Roman characteristics of the farmer soldier, of conservatism and masculine virtue. He perceived the Greeks to be men of words and philosophy rather than of military service and mighty acts as Plutarch says (350). These are just some of the ways in which ideologically Rome conflicted with cultures under their rule. Each of these factors led to a rather complex web of both benefits and downfalls for Rome. In many cases Rome expanded as a way of defending itself and partook in the resulting benefits. Rome saw many positive effects such as acquiring profitable lands, expanding the reach of its power, and improving the quality of life for many of its citizens. Yet, in spite of these benefits the pressure to stretch governmental power, the resulting violence of war, and influence of newly incorporated cultures complicated and in many ways had a negative impact on Rome. This conflict between good and bad defines Roman expansion,