Socio-Economic Effects of the Roman Peace
After a long period of civil wars in the Roman Empire, Emperor Augustus who reigned from 27 BC to 14 AD reestablished political and social stability and launched two centuries of prosperity called the Roman Peace or Pax Romana. During this period the Roman Empire grew significantly in both size and power and the administration and political structures changed dramatically. The Roman peace led to various social and economic effects that transformed the life of people through out the empire.
The Roman peace made life stable for most people through out the Roman Empire. Because of the peace and tranquility that prevailed, the Roman people became comfortable to settle down. There was increased emphasis on the family life as life became more stable and prosperous. The Roman population which had significantly declined during the civil wars began grow as people settled down into family life.
New system of governance was established through out the Roman Empire and justice became more equal to all the Romans. As economic conditions for most people changed and the political system became more open the social class differences among the Roman people began to diminish. Class warfare within the empire ended and the new political system ended civil conflicts. The rich and wealthy moved into cities where they began to engage in trade while the not so well off people remained in the farms to cultivate. Internal peace improved Romans patriotism and economic prosperity and people developed positive attitude toward life and the government.
The economic situation in the Roman Empire improved as the region became safer. Existence of safer roads helped to improve and increase travel and trade through out the empire. Trader from the Empire and the surrounding territories crossed the Roman Empire boarders from all directions as they travel to far places such as China, India and Africa to do their trade. The development of a uniform system of money also helped expand trade. Although the Roman coins were initially purposed for payment of military troops the coins changed the face of trade through out the empire. Merchants from within the Empire and from as far as India used the Roman coins to transact business.
Though the main stay of the economy was agriculture trade became more appealing to many and the number of merchants drastically rose. As prosperity and stability increased for more people through out the empire agricultural production also improved as more agricultural land were opened up and people were willing to move into them and farm. Small manufacturing industries also began to emerge with small workshops involved in making pottery, metal work and glassware being established in the Roman cities. The Eastern Mediterranean grew into a manufacturing center. Employment opportunities also increased due to the Roman peace. Many were employed in the new system of government as soldiers, bureaucrats and senators among other posts.
In conclusion, the Rule of Augustus brought social stability, economic revival and efficient administration in the Roman Empire which completely transformed the standard of living of both the Roman Empire citizens and the neighboring people. The relative peace that prevailed for those two centuries led to tremendous economic, social and political developments through out the Roman Empire.
References
Noble, T (2010), Western Civilization: Beyond Boundaries, Vol 1, 6th Ed, Wadsworth Publishing Company, U.S.A
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