1. The New Imperialism
CHW 3M

2. Reaching Out
After defeating Carthage in the Punic Wars, Roman Republic gradually took control over the rest of the Mediterranean
BC: Third Punic War
Carthage completely destroyed
Province of Africa created
148 BC – Macedon crushed, province of Macedonia created
146 BC – Corinth crushed, most Western Greeks taken over
129 BC – Eastern Greeks absorbed by Rome – become province of Asia
“...furthermore, it is my opinion that Carthage must be destroyed.”
-Senator Cato, on any subject at all.
A blessing or a curse?
Some saw this expansion as a huge blessing for Rome
Others saw this as the beginning of the fall of the Roman Republic

4. Political Consequences
The Roman political system was not equipped for governing such a large state.
Corruption:
Governors of Provinces were unpaid and elections costly
Meant that only rich people could afford to take this position
However, often extorted money from common people through tax collectors
Were rarely persecuted – Senate juries did not want to condemn other upper-class members
Increased tension among conquered peoples

5. Economic Consequences
The gap between rich and poor widens:
During Punic Wars, many peasant farmers called to serve in army
When they returned, many lost land:
Many farms had been seized to pay for outstanding debts
Many couldn’t compete with cheap tribute grain or new rich ranchers –large-scale farming
Rich get richer, thousands of poor flood streets of Rome

6. Social Consequences
Rise of new social class – the Equestrians (like an early middle class)
Group of people who could afford cavalry service
Lower than aristocracy, but higher than common people
Generally became the big business people of Rome
Challenges aristocracy - threatens old Roman values

7. Cultural Consequences
Greek culture invades Rome:
Many Equestrians and wealthier Romans respected Greek culture
Bought Greek literature, gave children Greek education
Roman play writers looks to Greeks for inspiration
As a result, Rome becomes more and more Greek!
Many feared the loss of Roman cultural identity – with good reason

8. Problems Political System leads to widespread corruption Economic
Huge poverty problem
Nobody wanted to join army (could lose land)
Social/Cultural
New social classes and Greek culture threatened Roman traditions and identity