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Discuss the view that consolidation rather than expansion was the prime objective of Roman foreign policy between 69 and 211 A.D From studying Roman frontier policy, it seems clear that the image of the Roman army as great conquerors, sweeping through vast areas of the known ancient world, is a view which is probably more typical of the period of Augustus' reign rather then any subsequent long-term expansion policies of any of the later emperors. Indeed, …

…restrictions that the empire faced. It is possible that the empire had reached its greatest possible extent and that any further expansions would have had a negative effect on the empire. By drawing a line between the citizens of the Roman Empire and the savage barbarians and tribes that lived outside the empire's frontiers Rome was setting itself up against its opposition, such as Parthia in the East, as the protectors of its dependent peoples.