Explain Why Was Rome Successful

Chapter 5: Ancient Rome

1. Why were early Rome’s conquests so successful?
The Romans were great diplomats. They were firm when necessary and smart about granting citizenship. They also let citizens participate in domestic affairs. Their military was made up of strong, persistent soldiers. If a substantial amount of men were lost in battle they wouldn’t just surrender, but instead recruit new soldiers. They would build up new armies so that they could keep fighting. The Romans were also good strategists. By the year 264 BCE Rome had established colonies in strategic spots throughout Italy. By connecting these settlements with roads, they built a military and communication network that helped them rule more effectively. By getting military help from allies, they mobilized Italy’s military
They made bishops/clergy separate from normal members of the church and creating structure. Rome responded to this with more systematic persecution, but this approach doesn’t work. Christianity became too strong to defeat with force. Christianity had a lot to offer, such as the promise of salvation for people in all different roles of society- rich, poor, aristocrats, slaves, men and women. They had an emphasis on equality. The religion was also familiar. It was another religion offering immortality thanks to the sacrifice of a savior-god, but it offered more. Jesus was relatable because he was also human. Christianity fulfilled the need to belong and created communities. People could express love by helping one another, the poor, sick, widows and orphans. It offered women new roles and friendship with other women. Some women fostered the religion in their homes and preached to townspeople. Some even died for their faith. Constantine was the 1st Christian emperor. In 313 he used the Edict of Milan to officially declare the tolerance of Christianity. Theodosius “the great” made it the official religion of