The Roman conquest of Cisalpine Gaul in 3rd-2nd century BC : reasons, consequences

This article is an attempt at comprehensively presenting the role of the Roman Republic's policies towards Cisalpine Gaul in 3rd century BCE and showing the effects of those policies in this period as a process of transforming conquered territory. Cisalpine Gaul was initially an area inhabited by an ethnic, cultural, and linguistic mosaic of tribes (including Celts, Ligurians, Veneti, Raeti) representing various levels of development. The area was extensive and highly diverse in geographical terms (high mountains, impenetrable forests, and great rivers). After a long period of expansion, the lands of northern Italy became an important strategic acquisition that served as a base for attacks on the neighbors on the far side of the Alps, and served as a buffer zone protecting Italy from outside aggression.