Hoyos’ Rome Victorious is a thorough, in-depth look at power and conquest from the founding of Rome until the year 212 CE, when the Empire was at its greatest extent and enfranchisement was extended to the entire freeborn population. The first six chapters chronologically follow Rome from its beginning expansion in the Italian peninsula, its eventual expansion across the Mediterranean, the development of the Province system, the rise of Augustus and the challenges that he faced with regards to the Empire, and ultimately to the emperors after Augustus to Caracalla. These first six chapters are thorough in their details and analysis. Chapters seven to ten are thematic in nature. Chapter seven focuses on the role of citizenship in spreading and assuring Roman power and influence. Chapter eight focuses on how the Romans governed their Empire and what life was like under Roman governance. Chapter nine focuses on how the Romans viewed themselves and on how others viewed the Romans. Chapter ten looks at the resistance that the Romans faced. The last chapter deals with the question of diversity in the Roman Empire. Hoyos cites ancient sources extensively to support all of his claims and assertions.
Hoyos addresses, in a dispassionate, scholarly manner, fundamental questions about the rise of a small city to a major Empire, uniting swaths of three continents under one political system. What led to the rise of this small city to its place of global prominence? Was it an inevitable rise? Was it an intentional rise? What enabled it to maintain its prominence and dominance for so long? Hoyos does an admirable job discussing both territorial conquest and the soft power expansion through cultural and political influence. The Romans are clearly depicted as resolute in their imperial aims, inspired by both a sense of entitlement and divine favour. The complex ways in which the Romans were perceived is explored in depth, along with an interesting discussion of the reception of Roman mores. Hoyos’ approach is thorough, extensive, and impartial. It serves as a beneficial contribution to the discussion of these fundamental questions about Roman power and influence and would be a valuable addition to one's library of Roman history.
Open access
