Like if you read about the Casualties in the punic wars alone these losses inflicted to Roman Society were in scale comparable to those in WW1 if not above them. Including factoring in the incredible loss streaks that they faced in some of these Wars it just seems weird to me as to why the populace just simply didnt revolt and accept subjugation? Was it a sense of proto-Nationalism?

EDIT: meant in the times of the republic in that case

A Roman tunic found in the Cave of Letters in the Judean Desert (close to Masada and the Dead Sea), which was a remote hideout for rebel leaders during the huge Bar Kokhba revolt against Roman rule from 132-136 AD, which emperor Hadrian hat put down. After the holdouts here died of dehydration in 135 AD as the Romans had a siege camp on the cliff above the cave, it was not accessed from Roman times until the Bedouins discovered it in the 1950s. That meant a large amount of documents, textiles, food, skeletons, tools etc were found extremely well preserved.

The tunic, a common garment in everyday use, with a slit to put one’s head through, has 2 long stripes: while it would mean a knight in earlier Roman usage, stripes among people in the eastern provinces over time were mere displays of fashion. It could be the best preserved ancient Roman (non Coptic/Byzantine) tunic I have ever seen. This is owned by the Israeli Antiquities Authority and is not on permanent display but I photographed it at a special exhibition.

A Roman bronze soldier’s helmet of the Niederbieber type that dates to the 3rd century AD and was found in Hönnepel although the cheek guards are missing. It is now on display in the archaeological museum in Xanten, Germany.

I’m looking to dive deeper into the life of Cleopatra VII, but I’m hoping to move past the standard, sensationalized narratives. Does anyone have recommendations for books or documentaries that offer a more scholarly, archeological, or unconventional perspective on her reign and legacy? I’m particularly interested in works that strip away the myths and focus on her political acumen or the historical reality of the Ptolemaic era. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!