The Roman army's emergence from its Italian origins Public Deposited

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  • March 21, 2019
Creator
  • Kent, Patrick Alan
    • Affiliation: College of Arts and Sciences, Department of History
Abstract
  • Roman armies in the 4th century and earlier resembled other Italian armies of the day. By using what limited sources are available concerning early Italian warfare, it is possible to reinterpret the history of the Republic through the changing relationship of the Romans and their Italian allies. An important aspect of early Italian warfare was military cooperation, facilitated by overlapping bonds of formal and informal relationships between communities and individuals. However, there was little in the way of organized allied contingents. Over the 3rd century and culminating in the Second Punic War, the Romans organized their Italian allies into large conglomerate units that were placed under Roman officers. At the same time, the Romans generally took more direct control of the military resources of their allies as idea of military obligation developed. The integration and subordination of the Italians under increasing Roman domination fundamentally altered their relationships. In the 2nd century the result was a growing feeling of discontent among the Italians with their position. Indeed, the vital military role of the Italians was reinforced by the somewhat limited use made of non-Italians in Roman armies. By the late 2nd century, the Italians were vestiges of past traditions that no longer fitted into a changing world. Feelings of discontent grew stronger and, eventually, led to widespread revolt in the Social War. As the Romans became masters of vast empire, they became increasingly divorced from their Italian origins and subjugated their once allies.
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  • In Copyright
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  • ... in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of History.
Advisor
  • Talbert, Richard J. A.
Degree granting institution
  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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