The Pax Romana
by Staff WriterPax Romana is Latin for the term “the Roman peace” or “peace of the Romans.” It is defined as the period of time between 27 B.C.E.-180 C.E. in which the Roman Empire experienced an extended period of Roman peace and stability. This period lasted almost two centuries. The Roman Empire experienced intense measures of advancement, progress and growth during the Pax Romana.
Roman history portrays this period as a time of great peace which is generally considered to have begun in 27 B.C.E. During that year, Augustus Caesar declared an end to the great Roman civil wars of the first century. Augustus used his dictatorial powers to strengthen the Roman State rather than destroy it. He reestablished political and social stability. It is under the rule of Augustus that the Roman state became the powerful, authoritative and prominent political establishment that we know it as today.
However, this stretch of time was not entirely as peaceful as the name portrays. The term to a great extent accounts for the fact that during this time the “Romanization” of the western world was highly exercised. Rome soon became the capital city of all social and cultural institutions.
The arts and architecture greatly flourished as well; the architecture was mainly influenced by trade with the Greeks. Cities had greatly improved, including the creation of theaters, aqueducts, sewage systems, water systems and public baths. Also during this time, merchantry was at its height and Roman economics thrived.
The Roman legal system was also strongly developed and was practiced in western courts. One set of laws governed the entire Roman Empire. The legal system incorporated the same branches of law that practiced in today’s society including the practices of lawyers.
Roman wars of conquest did happen during this period and rebellions did occur, however they often did not last long. It has been argued that Rome was constantly involved in multiple conflicts during the Pax Romana making the name quite ironic. However, the interior provinces remained largely peaceful and without wars. Therefore understanding the time period as one of great peace is not inaccurate.
