Compare the motivations for territorial expansion between the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine empire under Justinian
The Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian had different motivations for territorial expansion.
1. Roman Empire under Trajan:
- Trajan sought to expand the Roman Empire mainly for military and strategic reasons. He aimed to secure the Empire's borders against external threats and establish natural defenses.
- Trajan believed in the idea of imperium, meaning the Roman Empire's authority over all lands and people. He wanted to extend this authority to as many regions as possible.
- He had a personal drive for military conquests and wanted to make his reign illustrious. Expansion was seen as a way of enhancing his own reputation.
- Economic motives also played a role, as territorial expansion brought new resources, wealth, and trading opportunities to the Roman Empire.
2. Byzantine Empire under Justinian:
- Justinian's motivations for territorial expansion were primarily driven by political, religious, and economic factors.
- Politically, Justinian aimed to reclaim territories that were once part of the Roman Empire, particularly in the western Mediterranean region. He wanted to restore the perceived greatness of his Empire.
- From a religious perspective, Justinian saw himself as the ruler of Christendom. He sought to reunite the Christian church by bringing back territories that had been lost to other religious groups, like the Vandals and Ostrogoths.
- Economically, Justinian aimed to control key trade routes, particularly in the Mediterranean and the Middle East. He believed that controlling trade would bring more wealth and increase the Empire's economic power.
In summary, while both Trajan and Justinian sought territorial expansion, Trajan's motivations were primarily military and strategic, while Justinian's motivations were political, religious, and economic.