Beyond client states
Abstract
Like most empires, the Imperium Romanum commonly used the instrument of indirect rule. The dependencies have traditionally been coined client states, and the concept has been successfully transferred to other disciplines. In Ancient History, however, amicitia rather than clientela is now usually emphasised, though often without sufficient reflection. The paper will therefore re-evaluate the idea of clientele relationships in foreign affairs during the 1st century AD and investigate the suitability of both ancient and modern alternatives. Eventually, different groups of ‘allies’ with varying degrees of dependence will be identified, by which the Roman world can be described more accurately.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Antiquity Studies
Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History
Archaeological and Historical Studies
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Historia
- Volume
- 75
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 40–79
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- DE