Started a time of peace and prosperity in Rome that lasted till 180 A.D. Called the Pax Romana or Roman Peace. Augustus created a standing army of 150,000 men Praetorian Guard-9,000 men guarding the emperor Added all of Spain and Gual and lands in Austria, Hungry, Romania, and Bulgaria Beautified Rome, and encouraged the arts Added more government officials to better rule the empire Reformed the tax and legal systems
Augustus named no heir to his throne, but had been training his relative Tiberius. The following three were also from Augustus’s family: Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Tiberius A.D. Great military leader, regulated business to prevent fraud; kept Rome’s economy stable Caligula A.D. Abolished sales tax, allowed people in exile to return; increased court system’s power. Battled with mental illness; murdered a lot of people, wasted a lot of money, and named his favorite horse Praetorian Guard
Claudius A.D. Built new harbor at Ostia and a new aqueduct for Rome: conquered most of Britain Nero A.D. Constructed new buildings; gave slaves the right to file complaints; assisted cities suffering from disasters. Known for killing his mother, and two wives. Sat in safety watching much of Rome burn. He eventually committed suicide.
After Nero committed suicide, Rome passed through a period of disorder until Vespasian, a general took the throne. He put down several rebellions, and started the construction of the Colosseum His sons Titus and Domitian ruled after his death. Pompeii erupted during Titus’s reign.
Five rulers-Nerva, Trajan, Hadrian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Anthony-presided over almost a century of growth and prosperity Agriculture and trade flourished, while the standard of living rose. The empire reached its largest under Trajan
Nerva A.D. Reformed land laws in favor of the poor; revised taxes Trajan A.D. Expanded the empire to its largest size; built many new public works Hadrian A.D. Build Hadrian’s Wall in Britain; made Roman laws easier to understand Antoninus Pius A.D. Promoted art and science; built new public works; passed laws to aid orphans Marcus Aurelius A.D. Helped unite the empire economically; reformed Roman law
During the Pax Romana, Rome’s system of roads reached a total of 50,000 miles They got rid of pirates on the Mediterranean They had a common currency. Roman coins were accepted throughout the Mediterranean region by 100 A.D.