The Roman Empire encompassed Britons and Egyptians, Jews and Iberians, Greeks and Gauls. It controlled some of the most culturally and technologically advanced parts of the world as well as some of the most backward. It engulfed ancient civilizations and absorbed far larger ethnicities- all the while speaking a language no one had heard of. The question is- how. Rome was able to ascend to dominance of the Mediterranean not by technological superiority, persuasive diplomacy or an appealing culture. Rome became Rome because it had an unbeatable military.
By Sam Stern
By Sam Stern