In this revisionist study of Roman imperialism in the Greek world, Gruen considers the Hellenistic context within which Roman expansion took place. The evidence discloses a preponderance of Greek rather than Roman ideas: a noteworthy readiness on the part of Roman policymakers to adjust to Hellenistic practices rather than to impose a system of their own.

Volume I

Introduction

Part I: The Instruments of Diplomacy
Part II: Attitudes and Motivation

Volume II

Part III: The Patterns of Behavior

Conclusion
Bibliography
Index

"A refreshingly detached view of received opinions, ancient or modern. This is not a military or political history but a shrewd and very detailed inspection of what happened and how and why it happened. The picture is coherent and, to a nonspecialist, convincing; the specialist will carp here and there but it is unlikely to shake the main argument. . . . a rare achievement."—New York Times

"He has done a magnificent job of reassessment, that will, when assimilated substantially modify our estimate of that faithful period."—Times Literary Supplement

"A mine of provocative and stimulating insights of matters large and small."—Annals

1988 James H. Breasted Prize, The American Historical Association