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Faculty Advisor

Dr. Gwyn Davies

Author Biographical Statement

Raymond Puentes is a senior at Florida International University majoring in psychology with a minor in history. He aspires to pursue graduate studies in the field of history. His research explores the intersection between Roman urbanization, the formation of a cohesive identity, and social stratification. He is also a member of the FIU Honors College and has a particular interest in European and Latin American history. Additionally, he helped the Pan Am 103 Lockerbie Legacy Foundation with the cataloging of many historical documents as an archivist’s assistant.

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the role of urbanization in the formation of a shared Roman identity during the time of the Roman Empire. By examining the physical features of urban settlements and the economic opportunities that arose from them, it seeks to understand how these factors contributed to the development of a cohesive identity across the empire’s vast and diverse territory. This paper will use examples from cities in the western regions of the empire, such as Pompeii and Mérida, to demonstrate how urbanization and the economic opportunities it brought forth helped create a sense of Romanness among diverse ethnic groups. It will also investigate the impact of building projects and intervention from wealthy elites in the fostering of a Roman identity through urbanization. This idea will then be tied into the role of Roman architecture and urban planning in the development of said identity, exemplified by the similarities and differences between settlements across the empire. At the same time, this paper will also consider the historical context in which these urban settlements emerged, examining how the broader geopolitical situation might have impacted urbanization. By analyzing the intersection between physical structures and economic opportunities brought about within Roman urban settlements, this paper hopes to shed light on the significance of urbanization as a driving force behind the formation of a shared Roman identity. This research will contribute to the broader understanding of cultural identity formation in ancient societies and the role of urbanization in shaping the collective consciousness of diverse populations.

DOI

10.25148/URJ.020111

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