Quod nunc Rubrum ad mare patescit: the mare Rubrum as a frontier of the Roman Empire

A re-evaluation of Tacitus' 'Annals' reveals that the Red Sea (mare Rubrum) was perceived as a new frontier of the Roman Empire following the annexation of the Nabataean kingdom, rather than a boundary for Roman Egypt. This insight challenges previous interpretations and underscores the significance of this expansion in Roman imperial strategy. The study employs close textual analysis to dissect Tacitus' allusive language, particularly the use of 'nunc,' which hints at recent territorial changes. By focusing on the southern Arabian frontier, the research provides a nuanced understanding of how Rome's imperial ambitions were communicated and perceived during this period.

Schneider, P. (2015). Quod nunc Rubrum ad mare patescit: the mare Rubrum as a frontier of the Roman Empire. Klio, 97(1), 135–156. https://doi.org/10.1515/klio-2015-0005