Salvete,
When we think of Rome, we think of conquest, we think of wars in every corner of the known world, but what was the most important reason of this expansion, what was the prime mover of the Roman conquest ?
Several opinions that have already been put forward:
Theodor Mommsen stated that Roma had always feeled intimidated during the Republic and the early Principate. As a response to this, Rome went out and conquered rival after rival until they woke up one day to find that they were to be feared rather than fear others.
Marcus Tullius Cicero claimed that they only did it on behalf of their allies. Rome merely wanted to help and protect the cities that placed itself under Roman protection and one thing led to another, ending up with Rome as the giant Empire we know it once was.
Polybios has posed the most interesting theory in my opinion. In a society where there was a constant struggle for recognition from others, where political succes was based on fame, military achievements were the solution for many rising stars in the political arena of Rome.
We only have to think of Pompeius and Caesar to see the value in this opinion. Caesar wasn't so much worried for the cultural level of Gallia as he was for his fame in Rome when he started his 58-51 campaign.
Of course there were also materialistic interests according to these three, but they were of lesser importance compared to the prime mover. It might also be valuable to note that the term "Imperialism" is an anachronism since this term implies that the aggressor wants to establish his own political regime in the conquered areas, which does no go for Rome, especially not in the early stages of their expansion.
So what do you think about this, do you agree with one these opinions, do you think there's another explanation,....? Let it all out
Valete bene
Lupus