Tactics of power By 272 BCE, Rome had a population of about 150 000 people and controlled most of Italy, getting rich from plundering and taxes. To control such a vast area, the Romans: • used conquered peoples against one another • made alliances with former rivals • sold defeated enemies into slavery • allowed conquered cities to keep their own local government, but forced them to supply troops for Rome • colonised strategically important places with Roman citizens.
SkillBuilder discussion Using historical sources 1. What does the armour shown in SOURCE2 tell us about military practices? 2. How do the items reþect the commander’s status? 3. Why is this burial signiýcant in Roman culture? Did you know? In the early Roman Republic, powerful families held most political power. The top leaders were two consuls, who commanded the military and handled legal issues. The republic lasted nearly 500 years.
SOURCE2 These items were found in a Latin (possibly Roman) tomb of a military commander who was buried about 475 BCE, soon after Rome became a republic. They include his bronze body armour, helmet, axe and spearheads (held in the National Archaeological Museum of Rome).
TOPIC5 Ancient Rome 135
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