CLA233H1 Lecture : Caesar, The Gallic Wars
Document Summary
Roman religions could accept multiple gods; they practically expected that multiple gods will be worshipped. Romans didn"t ask conquered people to convert to romanism, they just asked that they add the roman gods to their list . Rome starts as a city, realizes it"s an empire. Identity established not through blood and birth, but through property and politics. Rome turns other into self when she conquers. When rome conquers usually romans don"t intervene with the society they"ve conquered. Leave existing imperial structures in place and just install themselves as boss . Provinces basically pillaged by governors with huge taxes. Provincial prosperity takes a huge hit from romanism. Although there was potential for provincial elites to make a name for themselves . Joining rome gave a certain level of protection: safety in empire. Identify with perspective of other: happy not to be in their position. Written by a roman from the perspective of the other.
