From Economic to Political Integration

Abstract

Abstract Chapter 5 investigates the reasons for growing Italian discontent in the second century. This chapter traces the disadvantages that the Italians experienced because they did not have Roman citizenship, both with regard to prejudice from Romans, as well as negative effects on the economic position of the Italians. Rome was reluctant to share the Roman citizenship and its material benefits with the Italians. This dissatisfaction eventually culminated in the Social War of 91–88. This chapter argues that economic considerations played a larger role in the outbreak of the war than is usually assumed. The Italians were granted Roman citizenship after the Social War, but this was not the final culmination of the process of cultural change. Roman citizenship was itself an impulse for further cultural integration, as Italians now actively strove to associate themselves with Rome.