Compare & contrast the motivations for territorial expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I.

The motivations for territorial expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I were influenced by similar factors, such as securing resources, territorial defense, and prestige. However, there were also notable differences in the motivations and strategies behind their expansionist policies.

Under Trajan, the Roman Empire experienced a period of expansion known as the Trajanic wars (101-117 AD). Trajan aimed to secure the eastern frontier, particularly in the regions of Dacia (modern-day Romania) and Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). One of the main motivations behind Trajan's territorial expansion was the desire to gain control over valuable resources, such as gold and silver mines in Dacia and fertile lands in Mesopotamia. The acquisition of these territories also aimed to provide a buffer zone against potential threats, as Trajan sought to push the empire's borders as far as possible to ensure the safety of its heartland.

On the other hand, Justinian I, who ruled the Byzantine Empire from 527 to 565 AD, sought to reclaim the territories that had once been part of the Western Roman Empire. His main goal was to restore the Roman Empire to its former glory by reconquering regions such as Italy and North Africa. Justinian's motivations were driven by prestige and a desire to revive the imperial legacy. By reestablishing Roman control over these territories, Justinian aimed to demonstrate the power and authority of the Byzantine Empire.

In terms of strategies, Trajan primarily relied on military force to expand the Roman Empire's territories. He led numerous military campaigns and conquered vast regions through organized and disciplined armies. In contrast, Justinian employed a combination of military force, diplomacy, and generous subsidies to local rulers in order to reclaim lost territories. His general, Belisarius, played a crucial role in these conquests by employing a mix of military tactics and political maneuvering.

Despite their similarities in motivations and strategies, there were some key differences between the two empires' approaches to territorial expansion. The Roman Empire under Trajan focused on expansion in the east, whereas Byzantine Emperor Justinian I aimed at reclaiming former Western Roman territories. Furthermore, Trajan's expansion was characterized by a pragmatic approach aimed at securing resources and ensuring territorial defense, while Justinian's territorial expansion was driven by a desire for prestige and the restoration of Roman imperial rule.

Overall, the motivations for territorial expansion of the Roman Empire under Trajan and the Byzantine Empire under Justinian I were influenced by similar factors, including resource acquisition, territorial defense, and prestige. However, there were notable differences in their strategies and goals, as Trajan sought to secure valuable resources and buffer zones, while Justinian aimed to reclaim lost territories and revive the Roman imperial legacy.