Roman Expansion

Madnick/Global History 9

Italian Peninsula

• Rome gained control of the Italian peninsula by invading Etruscan and Greek territories

• all male citizens expected to serve for two years

• victories created a powerful Roman army

Africa & Spain

Punic Wars (264-146 BCE) between Rome and Carthage• 3 wars over Mediterranean trade routes and territory• Rome added a navy to their powerful army• expanded to North Africa and Spain

Rome led a final campaign of shock and awe, 146 BCE• burnt Carthage to the ground• killed or enslaved all

Asia

• 80 BCE- Syria was conquered and the province of Asia was established

• 66 BCE- Jerusalem was conquered and the province of Judea was started

• Judea=“Land of the Jews” in Latin• Jews were allowed to keep their

monotheistic religion

Europe

• Julius Caesar won victories in Gaul (modern France), c. 60 BCE

• Roman colonies started in Europe• Roman roads built to link Italy with

France and Spain• Roman language and civilization

spread beyond Italian peninsula

How did Rome govern its expanded territory?

• Divided territory into provinces -individual states governed by a

roman governor• strong military presence and

constant need for soldiers• demanded taxes and military

service from conquered people• offered Roman citizenship to

conquered people

Results of Roman expansion

Roman language, democracy, and culture spread through Afro Eurasia

At the same time….

• Conquered people were allowed to keep their culture

As a Result….

• blending of Roman, African, and Asian cultures• unity and loyalty toward Rome grew strong