Imperial Policy and the Integration of Gaul into the Roman Empire
Abstract
Unusual among the great states of antiquity, Rome managed to integrate many of the people it conquered into the very fabric of its society. Rome won and maintained loyalties by expertly leveraging a combination of what is today called hard and soft power. Undeniably important to the overall outcome were the military garrisons that enforced the writ of the state. But while the Army ensured compliance, the economic and cultural benefits of imperial life made recently conquered people willing participants in the life of the empire. Rome's generous granting of citizenship ensured conquered leaders could advance politically inside the empire. In the case of Gaul, the elite was largely coopted to the Roman project in a generation, though sporadic civil disturbances never fully disappeared. This thesis examines how the people of Gaul became integrated into the Roman world. It is a fascinating topic in its own right, but more importantly, may offer insight into future operations where the United States struggles to integrate formerly hostile nations into the American world order.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 12, 2015
- Accession Number
- ADA624063
Entities
People
- Colin J. Pascal
Organizations
- United States Army Command and General Staff College