Join Professor Nicola Terrenato, an academic focusing on Rome's rise through elite networks and negotiations. He presents a fresh perspective on Rome's expansion, emphasizing political alliances over mere military conquests. The discussion covers the influence of local elites and family ties, illustrating how these dynamics shaped Roman imperialism. Terrenato also examines the complexities of Roman society, highlighting the interplay between classes and the self-organization of social groups, making the past feel intricately connected to present power structures.