Features of the eastern policy of Rome in II century A.D

The aim of this work is to reconstruct the formation of policy "divide et impera" in relationship of Rome with neighboring powers in the 2nd century B.C. This era is noted by a triumphal entry of the Roman Republic to the world scene, ended with submission of the Hellenistic East. When studying this subject works of antique historians, such as Polibiy, Tit Livy, Appian of Alexandria, Yustin and Annaeus Florus were actively applied (used). In the article the short review is given to the main concepts, characterizing foreign policy of the Roman power - a "defensive", "aggressive" and "accidental" imperialism. In the article the short review of the main methods of carrying out in life of the well-known principle "divide and dominate" ("divide et impera") is given. Two Punic wars showed Rome the inefficiency of direct military collision with the strong power alone. For this reason, preparation for war and creation of the coalitions became company line of Rome. For Antiochus did not "get" the Greek sympathy, Romans "freed" Greece. Exile of the Hellenistic powers from the Greek world allowed Rome to create groups of the pro-Roman influence of the most loyal citizens. Being afraid of appearance of the powerful rival, the Senate strengthened the small states for a counterbalance to the powerful Hellenistic states. Creation of balance was a main goal of Rome on east direction. After destruction of Macedonia, in Rome certain aggressive moods among the large capital, which were represented by Kato the Elder, ripened. Taught by bitter experience of semi centennial opposition with Carthage, Rome avoided more wars of attrition, following what cunning foreign policy activities for prevention of the large conflicts appeared. Thereof, Romans in every possible way counteracted strengthening of rivals, whether it was Egypt, Macedonia or the Seleucid Empire. The Italic state created new players for counteraction to kingdoms of successors of Diadochi. Therefore, accession of new provinces was not in the plans of the Senate. Eternal dissociation of Greece, discord in the camp of Diadochi favored to Romans. Only with "divide et impera" and with arrival to the power of usurers and slaveholders, the Roman republic began to attach new lands in Greece and Asia Minor.

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