Both Trajan and Justinian I were motivated to expand their empires for different reasons. Trajan sought to expand the Roman Empire to showcase its power and secure its control over the conquered territories. His primary motivations were military glory, prestige, and the acquisition of wealth and resources. On the other hand, Justinian I aimed to reclaim lost Roman territories in the West and restore the unity of the Roman Empire. His motivations were driven by a desire to establish and maintain political and religious control in the Byzantine Empire.
The motivations for territorial expansion between the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I share some similarities but also exhibit key differences. Both Trajan and Justinian sought to establish their empires as dominant powers in their respective regions and to secure their borders against external threats. They also aimed to acquire valuable resources, increase trade routes, and enhance their overall wealth and prestige. However, Trajan's expansion was characterized by a desire for military glory and conquest, while Justinian's expansion was driven more by a restoration of Roman authority and a reclaiming of lost territories.
To compare the motivations for territorial expansion between the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I, you can start by researching the historical context during their reigns. Look for primary sources, such as official records, treaties, or writings from that period. Analyze Trajan's policies, such as his focus on conquest and consolidation of power, and compare it to Justinian I's efforts to restore the old Roman territories and reunite the empire. Consider the political, economic, and military factors that influenced their expansionist goals, and examine the impact of their conquests on their respective empires.
