Warlords, War, and Society in Early Rome: Interview with Professor Jeremy Armstrong
Apr 25, 2024
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Professor Jeremy Armstrong, an expert on early Rome and warfare in pre-Roman Italy, discusses warlords, generals, and the nature of warfare in early Rome. Topics include cattle raiding in power dynamics, elite networks, logistical challenges in the Roman army, societal dynamics of early Rome, and the evolution of early Roman warfare studies.
War shaped early Rome, intertwined with state formation and societal fabric.
Exploration of early Roman history requires diverse perspectives amidst interpretive challenges.
Roman military expansion leveraged diverse warrior recruitment, reflecting dynamic military marketplace.
Deep dives
War and Rome's Connection Throughout History
The podcast delves into the enduring link between war and Rome, emphasizing how war shaped the state and vice versa from the regal period through Augustus. Rome rarely experienced prolonged periods of peace, with war consistently integrated into the fabric of life. Various aspects of early Roman warfare, such as the fighters and the aims, are explored to understand its role in the broader Italian context.
Evolution of Interest in Early Rome
The discussion shifts towards the guest's academic journey and interest evolution from late Republic focus to early Rome. Starting with late Republic characters like Caesar and Marius, the guest gradually delved deeper into pre-Roman Italy. The intrigue in early origins led to exploring earlier periods for a richer historical inquiry beyond the minutiae of the late Republic, allowing for broader and speculative historical questions.
Challenges in Interpreting Early Roman History
The podcast touches on the complexities of interpreting early Roman history due to the blurred lines between fact and speculation. Sources, including traditions, inscriptions, and differing opinions among historians, illustrate a patchy and interpretive landscape. The discussion highlights the interplay of archaeology and literature in shaping narratives, revealing the intricate constellations of evidence that require varied perspectives to construct plausible historical interpretations.
Recruitment Strategies of Roman Armies
The podcast discusses how the Roman armies expanded by recruiting warriors from various regions, emphasizing the importance of citizenship for military obligation. By tapping into different warrior groups across Italy and beyond, Rome built a substantial force by assembling smaller professional units. These units were not only fighting for Rome but also engaging in private raiding and sometimes serving as mercenaries in other armies, showcasing a dynamic military marketplace.
Differences in Warfare Models: Rome vs. Greece
The episode explores the contrast between Roman and Greek warfare models, highlighting Rome's dispersed and independent military units compared to Greek hoplite phalanxes. It challenges the traditional view of Rome adopting a hoplite model and emphasizes how Roman cities served as meeting points and hubs of interactions, reflecting diverse societal structures. Additionally, the episode delves into the durability and flexibility of urban cities in Roman and Greek contexts, shedding light on the evolving understanding of ancient warfare.
Rome and war are inseparable topics, but how far back does their connection go? What was war like in the earliest days of the city's rise to prominence? Professor Jeremy Armstrong is an expert on early Rome and warfare in pre-Roman Italy, and he joins me to talk about warlords, generals, and the nature of warfare at Rome's beginning.
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