Essay: The origins of the Pax Romana

Throughout history, the emergence of political entities that possessed great strengths have allowed them to obtain relative stability and as a result, influence future cultures as a model. One of the most prominent civilizations in the entire course of history was the Roman Empire that endured a longevity of approximately 500 years in one half and survived another 1,000 years in its Eastern portion. During its existence, the empire flourished greatly and has had a profound impact in the shaping of the Western identity, most closely associated with Western Europe. Arguably, the greatest triumphs of the Roman Empire trace back to the 1st and 2nd centuries C.E., most notably known as the Pax Romana, or “Roman Peace.” The Pax Romana signifies a moment in Roman history to which the empire harnessed certain strengths such as tremendous manpower, autonomous leadership, vast expansion and conquest, an influential legal system, economic success, and revolutionizing technological advancements that greatly contributed to a period of relative peace and stability among the territory.
The origins of the Pax Romana date back to the emergence of the empire during the reign of Augustus. Augustus, previously known as Octavius Caesar, was the adopted heir of Julius Caesar, and successor to the Roman Republic. Augustus emerged as the victor of the Battle of Actium in 31 B.C.E. and established himself as the princeps, or the “leading man” of Roman power. With this new development, the previous democracy of the Republic was replaced by an autocracy spearheaded by Augustus whom single-handedly characterized the future of the Roman Empire and established the precedent for future Roman emperors. That is to say, Augustus laid the foundation for the birth and existence of the Pax Romana through his “ … overhaul of the entire administration … [which was] able to control the nearly thirty (later nearly fifty) provinces with efficiency, honesty, and increasing mildness” (Grant 1). Augustus had created in his mind, a vision of Rome, to which he would restore the former Republic in a new light. It is necessary to note that Augustus never took the title of rex, but princeps, therefore signifying himself as the leading man of the Senate. Additionally, throughout his reign, he gained numerous other titles such as imperator, consul, tribune, and pro consul, all contributing to his bountiful power; many scholars argue that Augustus represents one of the earliest monarchs in history and his principate, the system he established, can be considered a “veiled monarchy” (Goldsworthy 163). After the death of the empire’s first sole ruler, Augustus, in A.D. 14, several succeeding imperial Roman dynasties emerged whom sought to preserve the same stability and prosperity laid before them. Throughout this approximate quarter of a millennium, the Romans enjoyed a sense of long-lasting peace that had never been achievable before for such a territory as large as it was, exclusively brought about by the emperors of this period. It was due to several strengths possessed and encompassed by the empire that specifically allowed the Pax Romana to endure such an incredible life-span that it had.
One of the many strengths the empire acquired during this stable world order was its inexhaustible manpower. Throughout Rome’s existence, the idea of manpower has been a prevalent and key factor in its success. The ability of the empire to generate armies of massive numbers paved the way for its countless military victories, as it was able to “outlive” and consume its opponents. Specifically, during this period, it was the role of the government to ensure that the legions were sufficient enough in strength and numbers to defend borders from outside threats. Given the vast territory the empire stretched along, it is remarkable the ability of such a massive political entity to produce a unified army able that was able to protect its boundaries. Particularly, the peace ensured by the legions laid the foundation and groundwork for the prosperity and flourishment of the empire to be enjoyed by all as “ … warfare banished to the frontiers which were protected by the army” (Goldsworthy 9). Due to this subsequent “banishment” of war, the Roman provinces experienced internal security and stability brought about through the guidance of the emperors and the military. In essence, the concept of Roman manpower had been prevalent since the Republic, yet it became increasingly strengthened and supported by the emperor as a means of protection on the frontiers, subsequently birthing the peace and prosperity enjoyed by the empire during the Pax Romana.
Throughout the Pax Romana, the empire also sustained sovereign leadership which allowed stability and peace to linger for two centuries. Principally, this emergence of new and independent governance initially began with Augustus, as he asserted his dominance over the area. Augustus had emerged as a victor in the Final War of the Republic, signifying the end of major political upheavals and the beginning of peace and stability for the next two hundred years; subsequently, he granted himself the first emperor and sole ruler of the territory. Thus, began the principate to which peace was achieved through sufficient victory and military strength. Originally, many Roman citizens were against the idea of Augustus and the princeps, yet as peace and prosperity became increasingly prevalent, they became accustomed to the existence and dominance of the new government. In addition, much of Roman literature and art during Augustan rule celebrates this newly found peace, power, and success enjoyed throughout the empire. Furthermore, Augustus set the precedents which would define future rulers and the attributes associated with them. One example of these attributes that became increasingly apparent during this stable order was“ … [the] duty of Rome to keep the peace and allow its allies and subjects to go about their business in safety…” (Goldsworthy 185). In essence, it was in the hands of the government and specifically the emperor to maintain this peace and stability while citizens could enjoy and take part in their daily lives without worry. Essentially, emperors increasingly took power into their own hands and asserted their domination over the empire. Many early scholars, such as Strabo and Velleius Paterculus, accredit Augustus with launching the two-century long peace and stability throughout the vast territory that had become the Roman Empire. Specifically, Strabo in his Geography, claims that “Never have the Romans and their allies thrived in such peace and plenty as that which was afforded them by Augustus Caesar, from the time he assumed absolute authority…” That is to say, specifically the autonomy possessed by Augustus granted Romans a sense of prosperity and stability that had never been available or achieved before. Velleius Paterculus similarly praised Augustus and his reign to which he deems the period, the “pax augusta” noting how it spread to every inch of the empire freeing the territory of crime. Undoubtedly, the peace and prosperity exercised upon the empire was primarily due to the strength and power possessed by the emperor and their increasing autonomy. In essence, the idea of the increased and concentrated power of the emperor contributed to a more prosperous and peaceful empire than ever before; specifically, the dominance of the emperor can be considered one of the main strengths the empire distinctly held that greatly contributed to the longevity of the Pax Romana.
During this period, the empire additionally engaged in vast expansion and conquest that showcased the full extent of Roman power. One of the most defining characteristics of the Romans was their infinite manpower which allowed their legions to engage in victorious missions of expanding the territory and immersing themselves in conquests. Particularly, at the height of the Roman power, the empire stretched from England to North Africa and the Middle East. Specifically, it was during the rule of Trajan that the empire had reached its territorial extent in the 2nd century. This expansion was spearheaded mainly by the emperors who sought to relatively extend their power.  Many argue that “Roman peace” was made possible by these conquests in which the empire sought to benefit both itself and maintain security; notably once the Romans had secured their military dominance, they were able to establish both peace and stability internally and impose that same peace to those they conquered. Essentially, the conquered peoples would have the chance to experience the peace and security ensured by the Romans, therefore creating a unified empire under Roman terms. Indeed, much of the territory was largely free of rebellions, invasions and large-scale violence, nevertheless the empire continued to possess an imperial nature and aggressiveness in warfare, highlighted through its expansionary and conquest missions that were embarked on during the Pax Romana.
Arguably, one of the greatest legacies and exports that the Roman empire provides the Western world with is its form of law. Roman law and order has a long history dating back to its early roots in the Republic. However, it was during the Pax Romana that the legal system climaxed and stood as a model for many future governments. Specifically, while on the imperial adventures and expansion missions the Romans engaged in during this period, their legal system would be inflicted on those they conquered; this signifies both the extension and influence of Roman power on territories far beyond its reach and the unification of the empire, as well. In addition, the notion that citizenship granted protection became a very prominent feature of the empire during this time; this extension of citizenship allowed for the protection of many peoples under Roman law and especially influences our own ideas currently on what citizenship is and what it entails. Today, we continue to see many threads and remnants of Roman law in many democratic states, including the United States of America; hence, the legacy of the Roman empire and law, in particular, continues to linger and influence our daily lives even to this day, and particularly was able to allow the Pax Romana to flourish for 200 years.
Not only did the Romans endure security and stability during this golden age, but there was also a great sense of economic prosperity. Commercial activity boomed throughout the empire, specifically made possible by the establishment of trade networks that allowed for the increased flow of luxury goods. Essentially, goods became more readily available and accessible to citizens and many benefited from increased profits and incomes due to this expansion of trade. It is imperative to note that agriculture continued to be a dominant and integrative part of the economy, yet urbanization greatly increased during this time, as well. This rise in urban living allowed Romans to better enjoy the comforts and goods and maintain an improved quality of life distinctly provided by its thriving economy. Additionally, coins continued to be the preferred method of monetary exchange; however strikingly, these coins boasted images of emperors, once again highlighting the prestige of his figure and the plight towards a more prosperous and peaceful empire ensured by the emperor. Much of the trade the empire engaged in was exclusively made possible by technical improvements, such as the installation of far-reaching transportation networks connected by roads and bridges. In essence, due to the peace and stability guaranteed by the military dominance of the empire, the Romans were able to devote themselves to concentrations on commercial activity, urbanization, and overall economic prosperity through the expansion of trade, made possible by technological innovations.
Much of the expansion of the Roman economy and the empire itself can be accredited to the immense technological advancements and innovations that still remain today. By the 1st century C.E., the Roman empire and notably its capital, Rome, were an imperial center full of power, wealth, and military might. Arguably, this reputation that was held by the Romans would not be of the same prestige without noting the scientific and technological advancements that occurred during this era. Exceptionally, the Romans harnessed improved techniques in engineering and other skills that paved the way for a period of greatly improved and extraordinary infrastructure. Specifically, they built bridges, aqueducts, and most notably a vast road system that can still be seen today. Particularly, the road system played a crucial part in the development of the empire and the maintenance of the pax romana for several reasons. The road system which stretched across the empire (approximately 50,000 miles) offered a mechanism for the mobilization of the Roman legions in the pursuit of conquest and expansion. Therefore, the system paved the way for the extension of Roman power through its ability to physically link various parts of the territory. Secondly, the road system acted as a means of diffusion of goods in trade the empire engaged in, with not only itself but with surrounding areas. In essence, the network of roads allowed for the exchange and importation of goods, which as a result allowed Romans to have access to luxury goods and subsequently increased their quality of life. The phrase “all roads lead to Rome” holds serious truth to the extent that all roads that formed the Roman road system actually stemmed out of the empire’s capital, Rome. Hence, the innovative and advanced network of roads the Romans had developed allowed for the unification of the empire and a means of transportation and communication that greatly contributed to the prosperity sustained by the empire not only during the pax romana, but throughout its entire existence. In short, the progressive technology utilized by the Romans during this period allowed for the peace and prosperity boasted throughout the empire greatly contributing the golden age that was the beginnings of the Roman Empire.
The Pax Romana was an era of greatness and stability achieved by the Romans during the 1st and 2nd centuries C.E and would influence much of the world for centuries to come. Specifically, it was during this time that Rome had transformed itself not only into an enlightened center booming with power and capital, but it had also become an idea to which future entities would strive to be. This concept of “Roman peace” had a profound influence on Western culture in numerous areas such as architecture, law, arts, etc that is still very much prevalent today. That is to say, the peace primarily established through the strength of the Roman legions generated a prosperity that many had the luxury to enjoy, subsequently “ … allowing [for] the greater part of the known world to flourish” (Goldsworthy 10). Some have speculated that this particular moment in history signifies the most prosperous and happy the human condition has historically ever been. Additionally, the Pax Romana established the precedents and inspired several other future golden ages, such as the Pax Britannica and Pax Americana. The empire, in particular, was a premier civilization with astonishing technical skills and a sense of modernity that was greatly ahead of its time; arguably, this is why we are so infatuated with the empire and continue to study the Romans a thousand years later. Some scholars point to this peace as being a product of military power and aggressive warfare, however it is particularly naive to simply diminish the many strengths the empire possessed in order to maintain this period of peace and prosperity for a whole two centuries. Above all, the Pax Romana was a momentous mark in both the history of the empire and utterly the entire course of history in the world; arguably the greatest triumph of the Romans, they acquired various strengths such as manpower, eminent governance and law, economic success, and innovative technology that all contributed to a 200-year peace and stability that continues to shape the Western world and identity as we know it.