Processes of Inclusion: Globalization

Current research is expanding the application of globalization theories to the understanding of the development of the Roman Empire. In light of post-processual, and particularly cognitive approaches to archaeology, globalization is an attractive concept and one which ultimately might solve many of the problems of terminology (with terms such as ‘Ro-manization’ now recognized as being problematic) and further understanding of the development of the East under Roman control. For Roman studies, such an approach allows further exploration of issues of cognitive elements (particularly aspects of intentional and non-intentional processes in addition to allowing an explanation of a progressive change in material culture (as seen in most of the East) rather than a swift cultural impact.

The subject of globalization as a modern concept is not without its controversies and these debates largely center on different applications of globalization.

A basic and commonly accepted definition could be read as:

‘‘A social process in which the constraints of geography on social and cultural arrangements recede and in which people become increasingly aware that they are receding’’ as stated by Waters.

Waters’ definition does not rely on economic processes (notwithstanding they are a factor) nor does it preclude the concept of culturally independent states within a globalized world. Instead it allows social practices, unpredictable by geographical location and concerns, the development of a region relative to the globalizing power (rather than simply becoming a version of that state). In this way localization can prosper in parallel. Importantly for the Roman period, the latter element permits a situation where relative positive and negative preferences can be expressed for the potential of the globalizing power. To put it in terms of the Roman Empire, albeit simplified, Rome gradually became a ‘superpower’ in the Mediterranean, provinces were bequeathed, submitted and lost to her and eventually all displayed Roman cultural elements to varying intensities and as a consequence of different processes on the part of the Romans and on the part of the indigenous population. In this sense, this is one of the most attractive elements of explanations of globalization of the

Roman Empire, that it allows for the intentional and nonintentional influence and adoption of cultural elements for both sides.