27 B.C.
Pax Romana
Rome
The term “Pax Romana” really means “Roman Peace.” Roman emperors
tried to bring peace and economic prosperity throughout the empire. This was
over a 200-year period. The word “Peace” doesn’t mean life was perfect, but
it was a time when the Romans tried to spread their culture around the
Western world. Roman laws and courts were extended to all parts of Rome,
including the provinces. Although there were some wars with foreigners, the
border was secure and there was no internal conflict or turmoil. Romans were
doing wonderful trade which helped the economy and there was development
in art and architecture. The Roman population grew to an estimated 70 million
people. Rome's citizens were relatively secure, and the government generally
maintained law, order, and stability.
The Pax Romana began when Octavian became the leader of the Roman
Empire. After the murder of Julius Caesar, the first Roman emperor, a civil
war erupted in Rome over who would have power. Out of this turmoil
emerged three rulers, Lepidus, Antony, and Octavian (who was Julius
Caesar’s nephew). They three ruled Rome for a decade but eventually conflict
emerged between them. Octavian defeated Lepidus in the battle. Then he
turned his armies against the powerful Mark Antony. At the Battle of Actium
off the coast of Greece in 31 B.C.E. Octavian’s navy beat Antony’s navy.