Discuss the expansion of Romes empire - Admission/Application Essay Example

Expansion of the Roman Empire In the 8th Century BC, the Roman republic was a small region in an Italian peninsula. By the 4thCentury AD, the previously small republic had grown into the largest empire the world has even known. Expansion of the empire’s geographical borders is associated with the Roman military. Apparently, Roman military conquests were the chief source of wealth for the Roman Empire. Therefore, Romans were fond of war because conquered territories were a source of material wealth and slaves (Smith, 38).

Constant success of the Roman military in wars is attributed to the skilled and experienced legionnaires of the Roman Army. Unlike any other army then, Roman Legions were highly trained. The attacking techniques used by legions, a unit of 6000 men, were perfected through trials and tests. Also, discipline and courage were enforced with harsh punishment for failed performances. Therefore, the military advantages of enhanced fighting techniques and combat discipline influenced Roman success in wars (Smith, 42).

The 2nd Punic War ended with the total destruction of Carthage, an empire almost equal to Rome in power and military capability. After the successful destruction of Carthage, the Roman Empire started to experience challenges associated with political turbulence and social decay. The 2nd Punic War was fought for almost two decades. Because of the challenge presented by the Carthage Army, both Roman soldiers and peasants joint the war. After the war, the Roman economy had suffered greatly, and peasants flocked the city in search for employment (Smith, 46).

Idle peasants in Rome led to establishment of gladiatorial fights. Politics and societies became violent and corrupt, leading to factions within the Roman government. In an effort to address these challenges after the 2nd Punic War, the Roman Empire enlisted idle peasants into the army, promising them land and wealth after each successful conquest. In addition, provincial power was centralized on a few experienced governors who were loyal to the emperor (Smith, 47). Despite these attempts, end of the 2nd Punic War pushed the Roman Empire into a century of civil wars and political turmoil.

Work CitedSmith, Lawrence. Rise of the Roman Army: From a Republic to an Empire. Pittsburg: John Wiley & Sons, 2010. Print.