Historian A: Edward Gibbon – Political and Military Expansion

"Gibbon argues that the Roman Empire expanded primarily due to its political ambitions and military strength. He emphasizes the role of aggressive leaders, conquest as a way to demonstrate power, and the importance of military discipline in maintaining control over new territories. According to Gibbon, the Roman desire for dominance and security drove their expansionist policies, with military success being a key factor in the empire's growth and stability."

Historian B: Mary Beard – Socioeconomic Factors

"Beard contends that Roman expansion was driven largely by economic needs and social pressures. She suggests that the empire's growth was motivated by the desire for resources, land, and wealth, which in turn supported a growing population and the Roman economy. Beard highlights how social mobility, the redistribution of wealth, and economic incentives played crucial roles in encouraging expansion, rather than solely military conquest or political ambition."