1. Imperial Expansion and Conquest: The Roman Empire was built upon military conquest and expansion of its territories. However, this expansion also brought various peoples and cultures under its control.
2. Slavery: The Romans utilized a slave system, and many slaves came from conquered territories outside Italy. They were often treated as outsider lower-class citizens or property without full legal rights and social standing.
3. Distinction between Romans and Non-Romans: Roman citizenship provided certain privileges, such as the right to vote, hold office, and own land. This established a distinction between Roman citizens and non-Roman subjects within the Roman Empire.
4. Barbarians: The Romans referred to non-Roman peoples as "barbarians" or "foreigners," which implied cultural differences and perceived inferiority of outsiders.
5. Imperial Ideology: The Romans often viewed themselves as superior to other cultures and peoples. This imperial ideology of Roman supremacy influenced their perceptions and interactions with foreigners.
6. Religion and Culture: The Romans were proud of their religious traditions, culture, and social institutions, which sometimes contributed to an attitude of exclusivity towards other religions and cultures.
It's essential to note that not all Romans held xenophobic views, as there was a range of attitudes and opinions among the Roman population. However, the societal structures, political dynamics, and cultural beliefs during that period could create a certain sense of distinction between Romans and non-Romans, leading to potential tensions and prejudices.