Question

Why was the Roman army able to conquer and control such a large area and its people for nearly a thousand years? Use details from the reading selection to support your answer.

a) Superior military strategy
b) Advanced weaponry
c) Skilled leadership
d) Effective governance

Answer 1

The Roman army's enduring success was due to superior military strategies, advanced weaponry, skilled leadership, and effective governance allowing for cultural assimilation and control over vast territories.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Roman army conquered and controlled a vast area for nearly a millennium due to several key factors. Superior military strategies, such as divide and conquer tactics, negotiating from strength, and establishing colonies, allowed Rome to effectively manage and suppress uprisings. Additionally, well-constructed roads facilitated the movement of armies and the spread of Roman culture and language across its empire.

Strategic use of advanced weaponry and infrastructure, like the dromedary camel for patrolling desert frontiers, commandingly secured Rome's boundaries and supported its military campaigns. Moreover, skilled leadership ensured that Roman soldiers, who later became career soldiers loyal to generals rather than the state, were effectively managed.

Lastly, effective governance played a crucial role; Rome integrated local elites into governing institutions, spread amenities like aqueducts and baths, and assimilated conquered peoples, turning them into Roman allies and citizens. These methods led to a synergy between military prowess and statecraft that sustained the longevity of the Empire.