The Pax Romana What was the Pax Romana

The Pax Romana What was the Pax Romana? And when did it occur?

What does Pax Romana mean? • Pax Romana is Latin for “Roman Peace” • Think of this as Rome’s “Golden Age”

What is the Pax Romana? • The Pax Romana begin after the fall of the Roman Republic and was established under Augustus • Thus, sometimes this is also referred to as the Pax Augusta • It was over two centuries (approximately 206 years) in which there was minimal war and little expansion of the empire • It lasted from around 26 BCE to 180 CE • Augustus used propaganda to sell the idea of the Pax Romana to the Romans • The idea being that peace would provide prosperity for all

Economic Impact of the Pax Romana • Established a uniform system of money—which helped expand trade • Protection for travelers and traders on Roman roads

Social Impact of the Pax Romana • Stability returned to social classes and civil wars ended • Promoted an increased emphasis on the family • Which was aided by the lessening of military involvement

Political Impact of the Pax Romana • A civil service system was established • A uniform rule of law was established

Contributions of Ancient Rome What are the notable contributions left-behind from ancient Rome?

Roman Culture • The Roman’s embraced, adopted, and blended many aspects of classical Greece into their own distinct culture • As the Roman Empire expanded so did their culture • Through conquest Roman culture and technology dominated Europe

Architecture: The Pantheon • The Pantheon was a dome structure built to honor the Roman deities • What the Greeks did for the column, Rome did for the dome • At the top of the Pantheon was an open eye—to let in sunlight (remember no electricity!) • The Pantheon was also built of cement—something the Romans were the first to use

Architecture: The Coliseum • The Coliseum was a center for entertainment (gladiators, Christian sacrifices, mazes, naval battles, etc. ) • It was also constructed to serve as a stone amphitheater so the masses (all 50, 000) could hear • It took over a decade to build and even had public restrooms

Architecture: The Forum • The Forum was essentially the Roman “downtown” district • It was a public place that held debates, markets, orations, etc. • It was comprised of a number of separate buildings

Technology: Aqueducts • Aqueducts were artificial channels for carrying water • They were constructed in the mountains and carried water using the natural downward trajectory to the city of Rome and it’s countryside • Carried water from as far as 60 miles away • This allowed Rome to be the first major city with public water, restrooms, and baths

Technology: Roads • The Romans built a network of stone roads that extended throughout Rome • Over 180, 000 miles worth of Roads • This network of roads was known as The Appian Way

Technology: Arches • Arches were used to hold large amounts of weight while using less materials • This allowed the Roman’s to build their domes and aqueducts

Medicine • Rome placed an emphasis on public health and as a result built public baths, water systems, and medical schools

Science and Mathematics • Ptolemy was an influential Roman mathematician and astronomer • He predicted the movement and orbit of planets and moons

Literature • The Romans adopted epic Greek poems (such as Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey • Their own great epic poem was The Aeneid written by the poet Virgil • Described the origins of Rome • Won favor with Augustus by stressing Roman patriotism

Religion • Originally based on the polytheism of Greek mythology but later converted to Christianity • The Roman Empire spread Christianity throughout Europe and is the reason why Christianity is the largest religion in the world today

Language • Latin was the language used in ancient Rome • Latin became the basis of the Romantic languages