What was the Pax Romana?
THE Pax Romana was a time in Roman history marked by apparent peace and prosperity during the transition from republican period for the imperial period, which brought stability to the Roman Empire and guaranteed Rome's authority over its provinces. The expression pax roman it comes from the official language of the Roman Empire – Latin – and means “Roman peace”. The policy of the Pax Romana was applied throughout the empire.
This policy began with the coronation of augustCaesar, on 27 a. a., event that ended the period of the Roman republic. The last years of this republic were marked by great instability, with civil wars dividing the empire, political conspiracies that resulted in countless murders of senators, provincial and slave rebellions to shake the order etc.
Thus, it was necessary to restore the stability of the empire and guarantee its territorial integrity. For that, a series of political-administrative measures was taken that guaranteed the control of Rome over these places, making possible a period of prosperity. The set of these measures was known as
Pax Romana.Characteristics of Pax Romana
Pont du Garde, France, is a Roman aqueduct built around the 1st century BC. Ç.
The main concerns at Pax Romana were ward off the threat of provincial rebellions and at the same time, keep these economically productive regions. Thus, one of the tools used by Rome was to promote the acculturation of these places, also known as Romanization.
This acculturation aimed to develop the cultural values of Rome in the most distant provinces, in order to reduce existing cultural differences. For that, it was important, for example, to transmit the official language (Latin) and the religious values of the Roman Empire. This was made possible by the presence of the Roman legions in the provinces.
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In addition to the transmission of Roman cultural values, it was essential, through political-administrative actions, to guarantee the development of the conquered places. Thus, decisions were taken that brought economic growth to the provinces, which guaranteed their satisfaction with the Roman authority. Some of these prominent Roman measures were the construction of roads and aqueducts and improvements in agricultural planting.
Finally, not only the transmission of Roman culture and economic development guaranteed the loyalty of certain provinces. In some cases, the Roman Empire used the coercion to maintain control and, for this, he again relied on the Roman legions, who also fulfilled this function of dominating using force.
The presence of Roman troops in potentially rebellious and distant provinces maintained the local elites and population. under control, since the Roman army was present to crush any attempt at rebellion that might to happen. The Roman legions also guaranteed these provinces protection from attacks by foreign peoples who might try to invade the borders of the Roman Empire.
Conclusion
Rome's strategies enabled control over her provinces and ensured the integrity of her entire gigantic empire. The Pax Romana, established in 27 a. a., remained until the year of 180 d. Ç. The death of Emperor Marcus Aurelius is considered to mark the beginning of the period of decadence of the Roman Empire.
* Image credits: Meunierd and Shutterstock
By Daniel Neves
Graduated in History
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SILVA, Daniel Neves. "What was the Pax Romana?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/historia/o-que-foi-a-pax-romana.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
