Italy, much like Greece, was a land of the city state. However, quite unlike Greece, Italy was extremely diverse. There was no common bond that Italians (if that term could even be used) could point to in order to say that they were a single people. Starr points out the arrival of Greeks, Phoenicians, Etruscans, Latins, Gauls and many others in Italy in pre-Roman times. It may be somewhat easy to understand how empire

Romanisation of the west included more than grand building projects. Romanisation went to the very root of the individual himself- his perception of who he was. As Tacitus continues, "Moreover, he began to train the sons of the chieftains . . . As a result, the nation which used to reject the Latin language began to aspire to rhetoric: further, the wearing of our dress became a distinction, and the toga came into fashion . . . The simple natives gave the name 'culture' to this factor of their slavery." By educating the princes of the conquered people in the ways of a Roman citizen, the common people would follow the steps of their leaders and attempt to become like Romans themselves. This was a very shrewd method of control. Instead of forcing assimilation upon the people, they came to desire it. Indeed, these people came to consider themselves Romans. And why would Romans ever revolt against Rome?

Tacitus gives an excellent account of how this process of Romanisation was carried out in the west. Consider what he says of Agricola: "In order that a population scattered and uncivilized, and proportionally ready for war, might be habituated by comfort to peace and quiet, he [Agricola] would exhort individuals, assist communities, to erect temples, market-places, houses . . ." Of course, this account is about the Romanisation of Britain, which did not occur during this period, but the process is likely comparable. Notice that Agricola used public works, not military force, to pacify the people. Even though the Britons were considered to be uncivilized and unpredictable, they were treated with the same respect as a Roman would be. Notice what follows: ". . . he praised the energetic, rebuked the indolent, and the rivalry for his compliments took the place of coercion." Instead of being cruel masters, the Romans were civil to the conquered. They recognized that a conquered people should come to admire their masters, rather than fear and hate them. The Britons had no reason to revolt, because Rome brought them things that they had not had before, things which served to build up their communities. Roman rule was a small price to pay.

Apart from conquest, the military served as 'civil servants' to the empire, if that term may even be used. Purcell says, "Soldiers were involved in public building; they surveyed land, they manned the custom posts at provincial boundaries . . ." Soldiers kept general order throughout the Empire, and most citizens had at one time served in the army, or at least their relatives had, since it was required to gain citizenship. In fact, many politicians also served in the military. As Ferguson points out, "The ambitious politician would probably serve in the army for ten years . . ." Since most politicians would have served in the military, they would have had ample opportunity to see the Empire as a whole, and thus have a better idea of the political situation of the time. Apart from playing a civil role in the Empire, the army was used to crush revolts. This would serve as a strong example to anyone in the empire who might feel dissatisfied. As an example, consider the Jewish revolt. Josephus says, "Now, as soon as the army had no more people to slay or to plunder . . . Caesar gave orders that they should demolish the entire city [Jerusalem] and temple . . ." The city of Jerusalem was absolutely demolished, and Josephus continues to relate how the towers

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Approximate Word count = 2301
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)