L'ascesa di Roma (3/4): "La conquista del Mediterraneo Orientale (205-63 a.C.)"

Summary

This lecture explores the rise of Rome and its gradual dominance over the Eastern Mediterranean. The speaker covers key events like the aftermath of the Second Punic War, Rome’s strategic involvement in the Macedonian Wars, and the Seleucid conflict, illustrating Rome’s increasing power. The lecture also highlights pivotal battles, such as Cinocefale and Magnesia, as well as the eventual Roman victories that reshaped the region. With the consolidation of Roman control over the East, the Mediterranean emerges as a Roman-dominated sea, setting the stage for subsequent developments in Roman history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Eastern Mediterranean was dominated by Hellenistic cities and kingdoms, including Alexandria, Antioch, Pergamum, Corinth, and Rhodes.
• 😀 Rome gained control of the Western Mediterranean after the Second Punic War but took nearly two centuries to secure dominance in the Eastern Mediterranean.
• 😀 The Eastern Mediterranean was a politically fragmented region, which allowed Rome to gradually establish its dominance.
• 😀 The 3rd century BCE saw three main Hellenistic dynasties: the Antigonids in Macedonia, the Seleucids in Syria, and the Ptolemies in Egypt.
• 😀 The first Macedonian War occurred during the Second Punic War, with a peace treaty signed in 205 BCE between Rome and Philip V of Macedon.
• 😀 The Second Macedonian War (200-197 BCE) resulted in Rome’s victory at the Battle of Cynoscephalae, leading to Macedon becoming a client state of Rome.
• 😀 The war against Antiochus III of the Seleucid Empire (192-188 BCE) marked a significant victory for Rome, culminating in the Peace of Apamea which reduced Antiochus' empire.
• 😀 The Third Macedonian War (171-168 BCE) ended with the defeat of Perseus of Macedon at the Battle of Pydna, eliminating the Macedonian dynasty and independence.
• 😀 The Mithridatic Wars (89-63 BCE) were sparked by Mithridates VI of Pontus, who sought to expand his kingdom and oppose Roman influence in the East.
• 😀 Roman generals like Lucullus and Pompey conducted successful campaigns during the Mithridatic Wars, leading to the annexation of regions like Cilicia, Pontus, and Syria, and transforming the Eastern Mediterranean into a Roman-controlled territory.

Q & A

What was the political and cultural significance of the Eastern Mediterranean before Rome's dominance?

The Eastern Mediterranean was a politically fragmented and culturally rich region, home to powerful Hellenistic kingdoms such as the Ptolemies in Egypt, the Seleucids in Syria, and the Antigonids in Macedonia. It was economically prosperous, with major cities like Alexandria, Antioch, and Pergamon playing central roles in trade and culture, while the region's populations were larger and wealthier compared to the Western Mediterranean.

How did the Roman Republic gain control over the Eastern Mediterranean?

Rome gradually expanded its influence in the Eastern Mediterranean over a period of about two centuries, exploiting the political fragmentation and conflicts among the Hellenistic kingdoms. Rome intervened in the region through a series of wars, alliances, and military campaigns, eventually imposing its hegemony and incorporating the region into its empire.

What were the main Hellenistic kingdoms in the Eastern Mediterranean during the 3rd century BC?

The main Hellenistic kingdoms during the 3rd century BC were: (1) the Antigonid dynasty in Macedonia and Greece, (2) the Seleucid dynasty in Syria, Mesopotamia, and much of Asia Minor, and (3) the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.

What were the main causes of the Macedonian Wars against Rome?

The Macedonian Wars were largely driven by the aggressive expansion of Macedon under King Philip V and his successors, who sought to challenge Roman influence in the Eastern Mediterranean. Rome intervened to protect its allies, such as Pergamon and Rhodes, and to prevent the further spread of Macedonian power.

What was the outcome of the Second Macedonian War?

The Second Macedonian War (200–197 BC) resulted in the defeat of King Philip V at the Battle of Cynoscephalae in 197 BC. Rome decisively won, and Philip was forced to accept a peace treaty that limited Macedon's autonomy, reducing it to a vassal state under Rome.

How did the Romans defeat Antiochus III during the war against the Seleucids?

Rome's victory over Antiochus III in the war between 192–188 BC was decisive, culminating in the Battle of Magnesia in 190 BC. The Roman legions exploited the vulnerabilities of Antiochus' large but unwieldy Macedonian-style phalanx, using tactical maneuvers and close combat with their short swords. The war ended with the Peace of Apamea, which drastically reduced Antiochus’ territorial holdings.

What role did Lucius Cornelius Scipio play in the wars against the Seleucids?

Lucius Cornelius Scipio was a key Roman general during the war against Antiochus III. He, alongside his brother Publius Cornelius Scipio Africanus, played an important role in leading the Roman forces to victory, including in the Battle of Magnesia, which led to the eventual defeat of Antiochus.

What were the consequences of the Third Macedonian War for Macedonia?

The Third Macedonian War (171–168 BC) ended with the defeat of King Perseus of Macedon at the Battle of Pydna in 168 BC. This marked the end of the Antigonid dynasty and the independence of Macedonia, which was annexed by Rome. Perseus was paraded in a Roman triumph, and his vast library and treasures were brought to Rome.

What were the main events and outcomes of the Mithridatic Wars?

The Mithridatic Wars were a series of conflicts between Rome and Mithridates VI of Pontus, who sought to expand his kingdom by conquering Roman territories and allies. The wars included brutal massacres, such as the killing of 80,000 Italians in Asia Minor, and Roman responses such as Sulla's sack of Athens and the eventual defeat of Mithridates by Pompey. The wars resulted in the annexation of several territories, including Pontus, Cilicia, and Syria, into the Roman Empire.

What was the impact of Pompey's campaigns in the Eastern Mediterranean?

Pompey’s campaigns significantly expanded Roman control over the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly through his victories in the Mithridatic Wars, the defeat of the pirates, and the conquest of several territories such as Cilicia, Ponto, and Syria. His actions secured Roman dominance in the region and transformed the Mediterranean into a Roman-controlled sea.