This dissertation examines the circumstances and causes that led to the various stages of development in Rome’s defence against the Germani from the initial interaction with Julius Caesar to the emergence of the permanent patrolled and defended defences, the ‘Limes’, under the Flavians. This dissertation has three principle aims. Firstly, it identifies and defines what constituted the Germanic tribes and the various stages of Roman defensive development (border, ‘buffer zone’, frontier, ‘Limes’). Secondly, it identifies and explains the potential and the perceived threat posed by the Germani to Rome and Roman interests. Thirdly, it explains the development of defences against the Germani, its origins as two separate buffer zones, along the rivers Rhine and Danube, and its subsequent transition from a military frontier into a permanent, patrolled and defended defensive line (the ‘Limes’).
This dissertation observes that the evolution of the Rome’s defences directly corresponds to the development of their relationship and depth of understanding of the Germani. The later emergence of the ‘Limes’ signalled Rome’s final abandonment of their efforts to conquer and incorporate the Germani and their territory into the empire. This abandonment is connected with their realisation that the Germani were not capable of being a unified people. Rome came to understand that the Germani’s potential threat could be limited and their impact to Rome could be minimalised by following their established defensive policies. The establishment of the ‘Limes’ secured Roman interests using minimal military resources whilst at the same time establishing necessary links with Rome and the Danube, and ultimately freeing up military strength needed against a more immanent and apparent threat posed by other peoples along the Danube.