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Published Mar 8, 2018

HH Addendum EP2 Rome Through Duncan's Eyes

Explore Rome's turbulent transformation from Republic to Empire through Mike Duncan's insights on military evolution, economic disparities, and political power struggles, highlighting the rise of personal armies, corruption-induced social unrest, and the rivalries that fueled Rome's historic shift.
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  • Personal Armies

    The rise of personal armies marked a significant shift in Roman politics and military strategy. explains how figures like Pompey could independently raise armies, bypassing traditional state mechanisms. This autonomy allowed leaders to wield military power for personal political gains, leading to a clash of warlords in the late Republic 1. The precedent set by Sulla, who used his army to secure dictatorial power, influenced later figures like Julius Caesar. Duncan notes, "If you get a large army, keep them loyal to you, you can use them to prosecute your own domestic political enemies and emerge victorious and become a dictator for life."

    If you get a large army, keep them loyal to you, you can use them to prosecute your own domestic political enemies and emerge victorious and become a dictator for life.

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    This shift in military loyalty from the state to individual generals eroded the Republic's foundations 2.

       

    Military and Society

    The Roman military's evolution had profound societal impacts, particularly on land ownership and veteran affairs. highlights the challenges faced by Roman soldiers, who were often away from their farms for extended periods, leading to economic ruin for many lower-class citizens 3. This situation mirrors historical events like the Bonus Marchers in the U.S., where veterans returned home to find their livelihoods in jeopardy. discusses how reforms proposed by Caius Gracchus could have prevented the Republic's decline by addressing these grievances. "If enough people start to feel like that governing apparatus is not working for them... Why do I owe it as an institution, any kind of loyalty?" he asks, emphasizing the importance of state legitimacy.

    If enough people start to feel like that governing apparatus is not working for them... Why do I owe it as an institution, any kind of loyalty?

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    The failure to implement such reforms led to a loss of loyalty to the state, with many turning to warlords who promised security and land 4.

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