Mass violence during conflicts is a phenomenon that has existed throughout history and has been extensively analyzed across various time periods. The effects of war on civilians and their suffering amidst military operations form a central theme of a field known as the New Military History, which emerged in the late twentieth century. This approach encourages a broader examination of warfare, extending beyond traditional military narratives to encompass interactions between military conflict and various societal facets, thus illuminating the complexities of warfare.
In his book under review, Gabriel Baker focuses on ancient military history, specifically examining the application of mass violence in Roman warfare as elaborated in the “War and Society” series. He highlights common tactics such as mass killings, large-scale enslavement, and the destruction of cities, suggesting these methods played a crucial role in the operational strategies of Roman commanders. The use of violence against civilian populations was routine, seen as a means to meet military objectives and political ambitions. Acts of atrocity and massacre were integral components of Roman military practice, functioning alongside standard combat operations. The resultant violence facilitated significant military achievements and left a lasting impact on Roman society.
Baker opens his exploration with a striking account of the destruction and looting of Carthage and Corinth in 146 BC, emphasizing the severe brutality inflicted on their civilian populations. Such acts shocked contemporaneous observers, yet they were not isolated incidents; ancient historians like Diodorus and Polybios described these violent expressions as routine Roman practices, confirming the notion of Roman power through terror. The book discusses patterns of indiscriminate violence against non-combatants, exploring Rome’s aggressive inclinations towards conquering and subjugating its enemies. Baker also briefly addresses methodological issues and the quality of historiographical evidence, noting the rich textual and archaeological resources available, while pointing out that several of his conclusions reflect themes already identified in previous studies of Roman warfare.
In the second chapter, Baker presents a concise overview of Rome’s military and political evolution leading up to its Mediterranean expansion by 146 BC, setting the backdrop for subsequent discussions of mass violence. The third chapter delves into how Roman forces engaged in mass violence, demonstrating that such actions required meticulous planning, resources, and organization. Baker posits that acts of urban destruction, enslavement, and mass killing were indicative of both strategic military planning and an expression of political motives. He includes a supplementary section detailing documented incidents of mass violence, citing various sources for further reference.
Subsequent chapters analyze specific Roman conflicts—namely the Second Punic War, the Third Macedonian War, and the Lusitanian War—where instances of mass violence are well-documented. Baker effectively situates these instances within larger historical frameworks and deciphers the decision-making processes that guided Roman generals. His conclusion reiterates that mass violence served as a calculated strategy for military success, control of threats, and management of occupied territories.
Baker’s writing is engaging and accessible, catering to a broad readership encompassing casual history enthusiasts, students, and specialists alike. He acknowledges that he emphasizes ancient sources over scholarly debates, a fact that elicits mixed sentiments regarding academic rigor. As a scholar trained to engage with diverse linguistic literature, the focus on English-language resources raises concerns about inclusivity and respect towards the wider academic community.
An undeniable observation arising from Baker’s work is the limitation of his contextual analysis. Deliberations within the Roman Senate concerning military leadership, the narrative of conflict outcomes, and the relationship between Rome and its army commanders merit deeper exploration, especially regarding how such factors shaped brutal military conduct. Vital questions arise about whether mass violence reflected a broader senatorial policy or was a manifestation of individual elite aspirations to gain political power. The historical acceptance of violent actions, whether officially sanctioned by the Senate or driven by the personal ambition of military leaders, presents a complex landscape of accountability and moral judgment in ancient warfare.
Warfare in ancient times was marked by a spectrum of brutality—mass actions such as murder, enslavement, and cultural destruction were pervasive. These facets demand further scholarly examination, ideally through frameworks that connect insights from the ancient world with contemporary theories on warfare and violence. Baker’s contribution provides a critical framework for understanding Roman violence in warfare and could serve as a platform for further research that includes interdisciplinary perspectives and modern parallels.
In summary, Gabriel Baker’s examination serves as a foundational entry point into the discourse surrounding violence in Roman warfare, beckoning future scholars to enrich our understanding of this dark chapter in history. As events of the past resonate with current global contexts, the imperative for deeper insight into warfare remains relevant.
