ABSTRACT
Imperial expansion transformed Rome's economic, social, and political life. Economically, small farmers as a whole benefitted from the conquests of northern Italy and Spain and, paradoxically, even from the heavy casualties in the wars of the late third and early second centuries BC. Rome's wars of conquest and accompanying economic changes had major social consequences for both Romans and non-Romans in the third and second centuries BC. Socially, imperial expansion benefitted upper-class Romans, both men and women, and the provincial elites who cooperated with them. It also created numerous discontented social groups. Many provincials resented their loss of independence and felt oppressed by often corrupt and rapacious Roman governors and tax collectors. Politically, imperial expansion strained the Republic's system of government. The rewards of glory, honor, fame, prestige, and wealth that came from holding high office and commanding conquering armies greatly increased. They raised political competition among the leaders of noble or would-be-noble families in the senate to destructive levels.
