To what extent can the size and longevity of the Roman Empire be attributed to military, social, and cultural practices that differed from those used by the Persians or the Han Chinese to extend their empires?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary but correct responses should include: The Romans organized their society for war and made victory their supreme value. Political strategies for following up victory and consolidating power were Romans' greatest skills as imperialists. Rome was essentially a collaborative empire, which turned many existing elites into what Romans called "allies" and "federates," ultimately treating them as Romans, instead of running the risk of trying to displace them. They used methods such as the marrying of soldiers to local women to spread the common culture throughout the region. Roman methods were part predatory, part placatory; and terror, intimidation, and booty played roles in securing supremacy. It was a federation of cities and a federation of peoples.