In the first chapter of William V. Harris’s book, War and Imperialism in Republican Rome, the author makes use of primary sources, such as Polybius, and archeological evidence to analyze Roman attitudes towards war. Since warfare was an integral part of life for the Roman Empire, Harris attempts to provide the reasoning behind their desire to continuously engage in battle. Specifically, in the first half of chapter one entitled, “Roman Attitudes Towards War”, Harris looks at the aristocracy and their general feelings towards war. Overall, Harris claims there were multiple political and social reasons that Romans engaged in war. Specifically, Harris analyzes that with regards to the aristocracy, war gave them opportunities to further their political
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Foremost, in order to hold office one needed military experience. According to Polybius, “no one c[ould] hold a political office at Rome before he ha[d] completed ten annual military campaigns.” While some scholars, such as Mommsen, doubt this number, Harris concludes that during the Middle Republic multiple seasons of military service were required for high political office. Further evidence for this requirement comes from the municipal law tablets, the Tabula Heracleensis, in which “it is specified that the candidate (for local office) can only fulfill the requirement of service in any given year if he spends at least half the year in camp or in a province.” With the assertion of Polybius and the ancient texts, military experience was an established requirement for holding political office, an attractive career goal for the aristocracy. In addition, throughout a man’s military career, he could either rise through the ranks by being elected, or selected to the office of military tribune, which was most often only open to the equestrian order. Thus, the title of military tribune showed rank, and added to the prestige of the aristocrat who held the …show more content…
Harris notes other scholars have claimed individual achievements were not as important to Romans until the second half of the second century. Yet, during this time period existed competition among the Patricians and Plebeians who vied for glory and prestige. Therefore, the ideas of laus and gloria existed, which continued to be a fundamental part of the Roman Empire. These traits may have functioned to especially “distinguish aristocrats from the rest of the citizens,” and would be highly sought after. Glory was also thought to be carried over by generations. Therefore, it was imperative to keep gaining more prestige, for it would garner political, and other reputable advantages for those to come in the familial line. In addition to this fame, success in war often brought monetary reward. Many financial gains could come from winning, specifically from the looting of conquered cities. These funds would increase one’s prestige and wealth. In addition, these funds were often be used to construct public buildings, which in turn would gain more influence and fame among the people of
Foremost, in order to hold office one needed military experience. According to Polybius, “no one c[ould] hold a political office at Rome before he ha[d] completed ten annual military campaigns.” While some scholars, such as Mommsen, doubt this number, Harris concludes that during the Middle Republic multiple seasons of military service were required for high political office. Further evidence for this requirement comes from the municipal law tablets, the Tabula Heracleensis, in which “it is specified that the candidate (for local office) can only fulfill the requirement of service in any given year if he spends at least half the year in camp or in a province.” With the assertion of Polybius and the ancient texts, military experience was an established requirement for holding political office, an attractive career goal for the aristocracy. In addition, throughout a man’s military career, he could either rise through the ranks by being elected, or selected to the office of military tribune, which was most often only open to the equestrian order. Thus, the title of military tribune showed rank, and added to the prestige of the aristocrat who held the …show more content…
Harris notes other scholars have claimed individual achievements were not as important to Romans until the second half of the second century. Yet, during this time period existed competition among the Patricians and Plebeians who vied for glory and prestige. Therefore, the ideas of laus and gloria existed, which continued to be a fundamental part of the Roman Empire. These traits may have functioned to especially “distinguish aristocrats from the rest of the citizens,” and would be highly sought after. Glory was also thought to be carried over by generations. Therefore, it was imperative to keep gaining more prestige, for it would garner political, and other reputable advantages for those to come in the familial line. In addition to this fame, success in war often brought monetary reward. Many financial gains could come from winning, specifically from the looting of conquered cities. These funds would increase one’s prestige and wealth. In addition, these funds were often be used to construct public buildings, which in turn would gain more influence and fame among the people of