Rome's Empire

It also endured because of the Romans’ ability to assimilate and pacify the different peoples and cultures within their provinces. In Rome’s early years it did not annexe territory but created alliances, first with the Italian tribes and then with the leaders of outlying states. Some territories were won without waging war, through rulers who had grown close to Rome. And Rome realised that it profited from these territories, with their agricultural produce, minerals, manpower for armies, slaves, and routes for trade. Government of the provinces was tailored to the character of the lands and people. Unfriendly peoples beyond Rome’s boundaries represented a threat that Rome could now tackle on behalf of those within its sphere. Warlords could be conquered, but they could also be bribed. Native gods were equated as far as possible with Roman ones. Many diverse languages, customs and religions continued under Roman