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Roma Æterna series
ORBIS MARITIMUS
Imperial Geography and the
Maritime Grand Strategy of Rome
by DOMENICO CARRO
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Roma Æterna seriesORBIS MARITIMUSImperial Geography and the |
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The Roman Empire was founded, organized, and governed by Augustus according to guiding principles that were later adopted by his imperial successors, with only limited variations that gradually became possible and advantageous over time. As a result, throughout the High Empire period, Rome’s major strategic decisions maintained a substantial continuity over long time, leading various modern historians and political scientists to discern the outlines of a “grand strategy.” However, since such analyses have focused exclusively on the legions’ role in defending the terrestrial frontiers, it has proven conceptually useful to complement those studies with a thorough examination of the maritime theater—strategically indispensable yet hitherto overlooked.
In particular, among the innovative imperial strategies adopted in the unprecedented context of the pax Augusta and on a subjectively global scale, it became necessary to extend the inquiry to all major developments relating in any way to the seas, oceans, and other navigable waters, as well as to the long and intricate coastlines of the Roman Empire and other lands of interest to Rome. Consequently, from the entirety of our blue planet—the orbis terracqueus, where the sea (even in ancient geography) held a vast preeminence over landmasses—this book considers its greatest portion, referred to here for the sake of brevity as the orbis maritimus.
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The study begins by examining the degree of geopolitical awareness during Augustus’s time (Chapter I) and the geographical knowledge of maritime spaces relevant to Roman interests (Chapter II). It then analyzes, with reference to the various maritime basins (Chapters III to IX), the actions taken during the imperial era to ensure security and to expand Rome’s geographical horizon, area of control, sphere of influence, and naval trade, for the benefit of both the Empire’s prestige and the well-being of its peoples. The conclusions that may be drawn from this examination outline what we may consider the grand naval and maritime strategy of the High Empire (Chapter X).
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The study reveals quite clearly the Romans’ capacity to carry out careful geopolitical and geostrategic assessments and, based on these, to develop coherent and long-term maritime strategies—made possible by the conceptual consistency of the objectives pursued by imperial power under the various Caesars. It also highlights the tangible results achieved through imperial directives regarding maritime forces and their operational management in fulfilling strategically vital missions. Equally noteworthy is the convergence of imperial measures with private investments, the enterprise of shipowners, and the professionalism of commanders and crews, which enabled the Roman Empire’s merchant fleets to navigate marine waters extending far beyond the boundaries of the known world of all preceding Mediterranean maritime civilizations.
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