220032 The Coming of Rome: Roman Imperialism between Theory and Reality (S) (WiSe 2026/2027)

The prerequisites and aims of the expansionism of the Roman Republic represent one of the oldest and most contested questions in ancient historiography. In this debate, diverging interpretations have been shaped not only (and not so much) by differences in the factual presentation of the sources, but also (and above all) by cultural contexts, ideological orientations, and specific historical circumstances.

In recent scholarship, particularly influential have been approaches that seek to analyse the dynamics of Roman imperialism alongside those of other political actors through the lens of International Relations theory, especially neorealism and, to a lesser extent and less convincingly, constructivism. Being able to critically assess the influence of cultural and political backgrounds on explanatory models, their theoretical assumptions, and their biases in historical interpretation is an essential component of sound historical method.

This course focuses on the decisive phase for the interpretation of Roman imperialism, its premises and dynamics, as well as the nature of international relations in the ancient world, namely the third and second centuries BCE. As every study of Roman imperialism is, in a sense, 'a Polybian venture' (J. Linderski), Polybius plays a central role: the Greek historian sought precisely to illustrate the process leading to the interconnectedness of the eastern and western Mediterranean and the establishment of Roman dominion over the oikoumene.

After an introduction and a recap of the historical context, the actors involved, and Polybius himself, we will first address the main stages of the historiography of Roman imperialism and the current interpretative challenges. Secondly, we will examine a series of ancient sources that illuminate key aspects of Roman society and its ruling elite, their relationship to imperial expansion, and major events in Rome’s expansionist history. These sources will include different genres—literary, historiographical, epigraphic, and numismatic—and will allow us to highlight the questions raised by each type of evidence.

The aim of the course is not only to deepen students’ factual knowledge of Roman history and imperialism, but also to refine their methodological skills in dealing with ancient sources and with both modern and past interpretative frameworks. In particular, students should develop a sensitivity to the critical comparison between modern scholarly models and the methodological imperative to begin, above all, with the sources themselves—even when addressing topics beyond Roman imperialism.

Requirements for participation, required level

Basic knowledge of the development of Ancient History, especially Roman Republican history, is required. The course will be taught in English, so a good command of English is necessary. In view of the course’s openness to students from the joint degree programmes with Bologna, the teaching context, and the multilingualism still assumed in the historical sciences, students are expected, if not to have an in-depth knowledge, at least to be willing to engage actively with the following reference languages in historical scholarship: German, French, and Italian. Basic knowledge of Latin is highly desirable; knowledge of Ancient Greek is also welcome.