On The Establishment Of Roman Colonies Outside Italy And Their Historical Effects

Around the 1st century BC, the territory of Rome experienced a quick and mass extension. During this period, the constructions of Roman colonies outside Italy and their effects contribute to the growth of Rome.The first part illuminates the original construction and development of Roman colonies outside Italy. From the point of Punic Wars, the writer discusses the change which brought by the variation of the system of Roman rule for the building of colonies; furthermore, the writer interprets the beginning of the colonial plan outside Italy in the time of Gracchus and its development in the time of Caesar and prosperity under Augustus. In the meanwhile, the writer also offers the geography sites of these colonies.The second part analyses the basic forms and administrative system of these colonies. There are three forms, which called military colonies,veteran colonies and civilian colonies. These colonies, on the one hand, locating on different places, are diverse in administration. On the other hand, they are the first-class cities in Roman Empire and all own high status. The third part analyses the colonies'effects on Roman military expansion, which contains promotion and consolidation; on Roman economic development and on Romanization. In detail, the writer elaborates the effects on Romanization from four points, that is road,culture,citizenship and self-Romanization."Roman colonies"is a topic that no scholar who studies Roman expansion and Romanization can neglect. The study on Roman colonies outside Italy can help us understand the change of Roman political situation, problems, resolutions offered by Roman politician as well as wisdom of Romans during the period between late Republic and early Empire. Most cities which based on Roman colonies have grown into prosperous centers, many of which successfully survive to the present day. As a result, these cities are important for us to study Roman colonies outside Italy.