Why the Pax Romana Succeeded
Numerous Factors Contributed to Centuries of Peace and Prosperity
The Pax Romana has been hailed as “the longest period of peace the Western world would ever enjoy. (Lionel Casson) Military historian Lynn Montross comments that these centuries of peace “remain the only proof we have that the world is capable of long maintaining calm and order.” Although the long reign of Augustus provided the lasting blue-print, several factors contributed to the success of the Pax Romana.
The Roman Doctrine of a Strong Defense
At the height of the Pax Romana, ca AD 120, half a million men contributed to the defense of the empire. This included 180,000 Legionaries, 200,000 auxiliaries, naval marines, and the Praetorian Guard, the latter begun by Augustus as a household protective force and then consolidated in Rome under Tiberius.
Legions were strategically placed throughout the empire based on perceived threats and internal needs. Thus, while Britain had three Legions, Spain only had one. Legions were made up of enlisted citizens. The Roman navy kept the Mediterranean free of piracy, further facilitating danger-free commerce as well as Roman tourism.
Stabilizing and Fortifying the Frontier
The empire enjoyed several natural barriers such as the Rhine and Danube Rivers. In Britain, a wall was constructed under Hadrian to separate the province from on-going attacks by barbarians. In the East, the frontier was at the Euphrates River, although frequent eastern campaigns dented this boundary. Some early emperors, like Trajan, marched beyond this line yet upon his death, Hadrian restored the frontier border at the Euphrates.
Additionally, no significant potential enemies threatened the empire during the Pax and Rome attempted no new conquests. The empire was well-connected by a superb system of roads and canals and aqueducts brought water even to the most desolate regions. The longest aqueduct/tunnel in the ancient world, for example, brought water to the province of Syria and has only recently been located by archaeologists.
Regional Uprisings and Imperial Intrigues
The fact that emperors of inferior quality, like Caligula, Nero, and Domitian instituted mini-reigns of terror amidst a strong and stable empire is proof of the resilience of Augustus’ leadership following a century of civil war. Even the occasional dissenters that rose up from time to time were dealt with quickly and decisively.
Legions could be moved from peaceful provinces to those requiring reinforcement easily. Even the Praetorian Guard, though responsible for ending the reigns of men like Caligula, Nero, and Domitian, had not yet gained their 3rd Century notoriety of making and unmaking emperors at will, usually for substantial bribes.
Most provincial subjects and citizens were unaware of the often scandalous behaviors and possible murders of their aging emperors. Peace and prosperity ensured grain shipments from Egypt, fine cloth from the Eastern Mediterranean ports, wine, and other specialties. In 2006, the largest Roman ship ever discovered was found off the coast of Spain were it had wrecked. The ship carried hundreds of jars of a popular fish sauce called garum.
Lessons of the Pax Romana
Lynn Montross writes that, “The Pax Romana has always remained the most hopeful achievement of history to peoples of later ages who could see no prospect of an end to strife and tumult in their day.” Frequently, the Roman Empire is used as a negative model, most notably in terms of its inherent weaknesses and ultimate decay. Yet at the same time a fresh appraisal of why the empire endured and why the Pax Romana was successful might be in order.
Sources:
- Lionel Casson, “In the Year I, Augustus Let the Good Times Roll,” Smithsonian, August 1999
- Michael Grant, History of Rome (Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1978)
- Lynn Montross, War Through the Ages (Harper & Row, 1960)
- Matthias Schultz, “Rome’s Tremendous Tunnel,” Spiegel Online, March 11, 2009
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