What was Romanization and how did it happen? At the the beginning, Roma was a city established on the Tiber, and over centuries was transformed from territorial state to regional empire- perhaps one of the early superpowers of ancient world. As time passed, Romans developed unique system of assimilation of newly conquered populations - Romanization. Romans themselves called such kind of assimilation of non-Romans, “civilizing barbarians”. It is complex process that changed every aspect of newly incorporated populations’ society. Even today, from Spain and Britain to Mesopotamia and North Africa we can see signs of Romanization. However, the effects of Romanization did not entirely absorb culture of
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Colonies and political allies would be granted some kind of citizenship in return for loyalty. The granting of citizenship to Roman allies and conquered nations was a vital step in Romanization. This was one of the most powerful political tools that secured success for Roma and helped to shape one Roman identity. Before Romans, Alexandre the Great wanted to form one identity between his greek, Syrian, Egyptian and Persian subjects, however his policies were ignored after his death and failed. Almost a century, Herod the Great and his dynasty ruled Judea enjoying being protectorate under Rome and as other client-Kings were granted in exchange for loyalty. They in return tried to romanize own territories by building Roman style temples and holding festivities. Rome was consisted of thousands of provincial towns and each of these towns played role administrative center for the countryside around it. Romanization usually started with assimilation of town gentry who then would we engaged in politics, accept Roman fashion and etc. For example, to show their Roman identity by wearing toga was common among “new Romans” across empire. One of the benefits of citizenship was legal protection under Roman law. St. Paul, a born Roman citizen could escape trial due to his citizen status, since Roman citizens had right to demand emperor’s justice, that is why after his arrest, he was moved to Rome. This case shows that
Colonies and political allies would be granted some kind of citizenship in return for loyalty. The granting of citizenship to Roman allies and conquered nations was a vital step in Romanization. This was one of the most powerful political tools that secured success for Roma and helped to shape one Roman identity. Before Romans, Alexandre the Great wanted to form one identity between his greek, Syrian, Egyptian and Persian subjects, however his policies were ignored after his death and failed. Almost a century, Herod the Great and his dynasty ruled Judea enjoying being protectorate under Rome and as other client-Kings were granted in exchange for loyalty. They in return tried to romanize own territories by building Roman style temples and holding festivities. Rome was consisted of thousands of provincial towns and each of these towns played role administrative center for the countryside around it. Romanization usually started with assimilation of town gentry who then would we engaged in politics, accept Roman fashion and etc. For example, to show their Roman identity by wearing toga was common among “new Romans” across empire. One of the benefits of citizenship was legal protection under Roman law. St. Paul, a born Roman citizen could escape trial due to his citizen status, since Roman citizens had right to demand emperor’s justice, that is why after his arrest, he was moved to Rome. This case shows that