Pax Romana is part of our Ethos Logos Top 100 Events In History. We cover Pax Romana in 1st, 5th, and 9th grade, the 8th month or March. Our students explore the ideas, people, governance and events that brought peace to the largest empire on earth. The 200 years of peace and stability in the Roman Empire led to growth, wealth, stability, and happiness.
(From Brewmate) Augustus was looked upon as a savior of traditional Roman values. His political, social, and moral reforms helped to bring stability, security, and perhaps most importantly, prosperity to the Roman world, which had been previously rocked by internal turmoil and chaos. As a result, Rome’s first Emperor eventually came to be accepted as one of the gods, and he left a unified, peaceful empire that lasted for at least another 200 years before new crises emerged in the 3rd century CE.
How did he do it? What reforms from 2000 years ago set the Roman Empire up for two centuries of peace and prosperity? From Brewmate:
Pride in Rome:For example, the Ara Pacis Augustae contained symbols and scenes of religious rites and ceremonies, as well as Augustus and his “ideal” Roman family – all meant to inspire Roman pride. After Augustus generated renewed interest in religion, he sought to renew the practice of worship.
Religious Reforms:Augustus revived the priesthoods and was appointed as pontifex maximus, which made him both the secular head of the Roman Empire and the religious leader. He reintroduced past ceremonies and festivals, including the Lustrum ceremony and the Lupercalia festival.
Tax and Inheritance Laws:Augustus also enacted social reforms as a way to improve morality. He felt particularly strongly about encouraging families to have children and discouraging adultery. As such, he politically and financially rewarded families with three or more children, especially sons. This incentive stemmed from his belief that there were too few legitimate children born from “proper marriages.”
Marriage and Divorce Laws: Augustus also amended divorce laws to make them much stricter. Prior to this, divorce had been fairly free and easy. In addition, after Augustus’ reforms, adultery became a civil crime instead of a personal crime under the Lex Julia de adulteriis coercendis. Augustus’ own daughter, Julia, was banished for adultery after this new legislation. She was exiled to a desolate island called Pandateria.
Times are different, of course, from ancient Rome. But maybe we can learn something from Augustus and see our own 200 years of peace and prosperity.
