553. Roman Imperialism in the Late Republic. E. Badian.- Summary

553.  Roman Imperialism in the Late Republic.  E. Badian.  1968.  This is another short book.  Badian asserts that the origin of imperialism does not rest with demands by equites for expansion of territory nor with the plebs but with the ruling class.  For decades the ruling class pursued a policy of non-annexation.  This, however, did not mean nonaggression.  But the Senate was well aware that permanent presence in an area entailed the risk of constant involvement in war.  It also created difficulty with administration.  There were only so many governors the Senate had to send out each year.  Part of this policy was due to a desire to keep any one senator from preeminence.  Expansion was not due to economics but a desire to avoid danger. 

When the province of Asia was created and set up for economic exploitation, this changed everything.  Caius Gracchus’ intent was to make it more efficient and more fair for the subjects and to fund his programs.  The lesson was not lost on political shakers and movers that this money opened up opportunities for ventures which could be used to gain favor with the populace  As the ruling class saw advantages to expand territorially and share the wealth with plebs for political advancement, a change came about.  This combined with someone like Lucius Licinius Lucullus gave political/military leaders an idea of what could be done.   Lucullus, Badian asserts, served as prototype for Caesar.  Lucullus went off on his own and without direct authority from the Senate pretty much handled matters to his liking. 

The expansion of citizenship to all of Italy changed the face of politics and the view of the empire.  The equites moved into areas all over the empire and prospered big time.  These people the ruling class courted to promote their own political ambitions.  This chaos was prevented from destroying the Republic only by the intervention of Augustus and the fact that he lived so long.  True greatness only came with the Empire.  No one would have shed a tear, if Rome had collapsed and died with the Republic.  Augustus saved and set up the system which brought it to greatness.  I strongly recommend reading Eric S. Gruen’s The Last Generation of the Roman Republic and his Hellenistic World and the Coming of Rome.  These provide a nice balance to the views of Badian.