The Glory of Italy and Rome’s Universal Destiny in Strabo’s Geographika, in: A. Fear – P. Liddel (eds), Historiae Mundi. Studies in Universal History. Duckworth: London 2010: 87-101.

Strabo's depiction presents Italy's unity as emerging from Roman conquest, acknowledging its earlier diversity. He reconciles this unity with regional differences by emphasizing cultural tolerance under Roman governance.

Strabo employs economic descriptions predominantly to illustrate Rome's political centrality, citing Italy's agricultural richness as foundational. For example, he highlights the fertility of Campania and the wealth of cities like Patavium.

Strabo uses the imagery of vanished cities to illustrate historical cycles of decline and renewal under Roman rule. The reference to the defeated Samnites serves to underscore Rome’s claim to Italy's glory and power.

Strabo acknowledges the survival of ethnic traditions and rituals despite Roman cultural hegemony, indicating a complex cultural landscape. He notes the persistence of local festivals and the continued significance of regions like Magna Graecia.

Strabo associates urban decline with historical conflicts, such as the Samnite and Punic Wars, leading to loss of cultural identity. He cites Iapygia as emblematic of this decline, where once-thriving cities have deteriorated to small settlements.