Sub auspiciis principis

The study analyzes Rome's foreign policy actions from the beginning of the Principate to the middle of the 2nd century AD using three case studies (Germania, Dacia, Parthia) to examine whether supraregional strategies or region-specific contingencies can be identified. Methodologically, it introduces a seven-part 'toolbox' (including trauma, bellum iustum, border security vs. expansion, diplomacy, river roles, enemy image) with which the role of the princeps, the instruments used, and the interplay between central politics and the periphery are examined comparatively. The comparative perspective provides new insights into the structure and dynamics of ancient foreign policy.