Roman Territorial Expansion Analysis

Contrary to the belief that Roman territorial expansion was elementary in its method(s) of military engagement, the main reason that attributed to Roman expansion was its strategic, undying, and flexible approach to combat as seen in the transition from the Phalanx to Maniple formation, the eternal desire to defeat its enemies, and Scipio's adaptation to Hannibal’s tactics during the battle of Zama. When Rome was founded in 753 B.C.E, the Roman military quickly adopted the Phalanx fighting technique due to Macedonian influence on the Italian peninsula. The formation consisted of several parallel rows of spearmen, forming a “cube-like” structure which was slow and unmaneuverable but with extreme strength. This technique was ideal for the southern

The Romans would not rest until Carthage had fallen. “For, as the Romans are fighting for country and children, it is impossible for them to relax the fury of their struggle; but they persist with obstinate resolution until they have overcome their enemies.” (Polybius’s Histories on the Causes of Roman Superiority) This is a credible source because Polybius was taken hostage to Rome after the Third Punic War and thus was a primary witness of Rome’s moral values. After the Initial 7,000 men who had joined Scipio’s cause, the senate eventually granted him the regular stationed troops in Sicily, mainly composed of the men who escaped at Cannae–cast to Sicily in exile for their poor performance against Hannibal. Finally, in 203 B.C.E, Scipio and his 35,000 men engage in a gruesome naval battle that would force Hannibal to withdraw from his Spanish and Italian territories, defending Carthage itself. In spite of the technologically superior and experienced Carthaginians, the year long battle led Scipio to a final front against Hannibal, at the battle of

However, as much of Hannibal’s elite infantry and calvary were left across the Mediterranean Sea, his bulk forces were mainly composed of mercenaries, and ill-trained civilians. Although the Roman army had a smaller 29,000 infantry and 6,000 calvary, they were experienced veterans; loyal to Scipio, and would right until their last breath. “They (Carthaginians) have their hopes of freedom ever resting on the courage of mercenary troops: the Romans on the valour of their own citizens and the aid of their allies. The result is that even if the Romans have suffered a defeat at first, they renew the war with undiminished forces, which the Carthaginians cannot do.” (Polybius’s Histories on the Causes of Roman Superiority) Going into the battle, Scipio organised his troops into columns with every other space filled with only light skirmishers. When the battle commenced, the calvary of both sides engaged, with the Romans in pursuit of the retreating Numidian calvary who had allied with Hannibal. He then ordered his war elephants to charge forward. In using his strategic intelligence, Scipio then drew the skirmishers back, allowing for clear gaps in his formation to