L'empire romain

« 1) For what reasons did the roman republic go to war?   Rome was a warrior state which gradually built up its vast empire through military campaigns.

At the beginning, Rome conquered territories for money, especially by securing trade routes across the Mediterranean sea, food and land, or more generally, ressources for roman citizens.

Series of victories soon expanded Rome's territory along the Tiber valley and all the way down to Campania.

The gigantic roman army needed huge amounts of money to finance campaigns and buy equipements as well as food.

The romans soon found out that the only way of keeping up with its expansion and with those demands was to conquer new territories.

However, the more territory Rome possessed, more soldiers are needed to keep the peace and protect the ever-increasing borders.

This issue could also be solved by conquering other places which would provide slaves and soldiers. This is why Rome was almost forced into wars to provide the needed ressources.

By conquering its neighbours, Rome not only establishes a complex network of alliances which contributed to its influence and its large army but also reduces the number of threats  and ennemies so Rome could become stronger and stronger.

Cicero, the most famous orator in the 1st century and a politician, concluded that «the only reason for waging war is so that we Romans may live in peace.»   2)a) What were the results of war for Rome?   Rome benefits greatly from the wars.

Firstly, its territory gets extended and Rome has an additional ally which tranlates into more power and influence.

Secondly, more grain supplies are secured which means that the price of bread could be kept low which contributes to keep growing number of citizens happy(no rebellions) which is very important for the emperors to keep their vast empire.

Thirdly, Rome gets richer as more taxes are paid by. »