The Roman conquest of the Iberian peninsula, which began in 218 BC and ended in 19 BC, had a profound and lasting impact on the region. The Romans introduced new forms of government, law, language, and culture, and they built many new cities and roads. They also exploited the peninsula's natural resources, such as gold, silver, and copper.
Government
The Romans introduced a new system of government to the Iberian Peninsula, based on the Roman Republic. This system was characterized by a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. The Roman also introduced the concept of citizenship, which gave certain rights and privileges to Roman citizens.
Law
The Romans also introduced a new system of law to the Iberian Peninsula, based on the Roman legal code. This code was based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness, and it provided a framework for resolving disputes and settling conflicts.
Language
The Romans introduced Latin to the Iberian Peninsula, which eventually became the dominant language of the region. Latin was used in government, law, education, and commerce, and it also influenced the development of the Romance languages spoken in the peninsula today, such as Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan.
Culture
The Romans introduced many aspects of Roman culture to the Iberian Peninsula, including art, architecture, literature, and philosophy. Roman art and architecture can still be seen in many cities in the peninsula, such as the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Roman literature was also widely read in the peninsula, and it influenced the development of Spanish and Portuguese literature.
Infrastructure
The Romans built many new cities and roads in the Iberian Peninsula, which improved transportation and communication. They also built aqueducts, bridges, and temples. These public works projects helped to improve the quality of life for the people of the peninsula.
Natural resources
The Romans exploited the peninsula's natural resources, such as gold, silver, and copper. These resources were used to support the Roman economy, and they also helped to make the peninsula a wealthy region.
The Roman conquest of the Iberian peninsula had a profound and lasting impact on the region. The Romans introduced new forms of government, law, language, and culture, and they built many new cities and roads. They also exploited the peninsula's natural resources, such as gold, silver, and copper. These changes helped to shape the Iberian Peninsula into the region it is today.