What Was Pax Romana? This period (Latin for “Roman Peace”) started with Augustus Caesar, the Roman Empire enjoyed 200 years of peace and prosperity. The empire gained even more territory as well, especially in the East. Other borders were maintained by standing armies.

Economic Effects Some of the Emperors to follow helped to establish uniform systems of money and enhance trade. They also had stone roads built in order to guarantee safe and speedy trade, as well as the movement of the Roman army on them. All of these reforms helped to promote prosperity and stability within in the Empire.

Social Effects Stability was returned to the social classes, as well as an increased emphasis on family.

Political Effects A civil service (government jobs) was established, as well as a universal law code.

Art and Architecture The Pantheon is a temple that was built during the reign of Augustus Caesar and later rebuilt by the Emperor Hadrian.

Art and Architecture (cont’d) The Colosseum is an amphitheater located in Rome. Construction of it begun under the Emperor Vespasian and was finished under his heir Emperor Titus. Later modifications were made to it by the Emperor Domitian. It was used for gladiator fights, executions, and other forms of entertainment.

Art and Architecture (cont’d) The Forum is a plaza surrounded by the ruins of several important ancient government buildings at the center of Rome.

Art and Architecture (cont’d) The Corinthian column was brought over from Greece and used in many Roman architectural structures.

Science and Technology Ptolemy was a Greek astronomer and mathematician who held Roman citizenship. His contribution includes the geocentric (earth-centered) theory of the solar system. He believed that the earth was the center of the universe and that every other celestial body revolved around it.

Science and Technology (cont’d) The stone roads of Rome was one of the Empires greatest technological achievements. They were extremely vital in the development and expansion of the Empire. The aqueducts (artificial channels built for carrying water, typically in the form of a bridge, from one place to another) were advanced achievement, as well as organized sewage systems.

Health and Medicine Some achievements in the field of health and medicine include medical schools, as well as public water (from the aqueducts) and baths, which helped the sanitary conditions of the Empire.

Language and Literature The main language of the Romans was Latin. Latin is the root language for the Romance Languages, such as Spanish, French, and Italian. Virgil was one of the most influential Roman poet of this time period. He is the author of the epic Aeneid, which, like Homer’s Illiad and Odyssey is about a Trojan War soldier, who made his way to Italy after the war and became the ancestor of the Romans.

Law The Twelve Tables were the earliest code of Roman civil, criminal, and religious law. The Presumption of Innocence (innocent until proven guilty) was first developed by the Romans.