Pax Romana

In this final episode of our Classical Antiquity course, we explore the 'Pax Romana,' or Roman Peace. After centuries of expansion and the bloody civil wars that destroyed the Roman Republic, this era of unprecedented stability lasted for roughly 200 years. We'll examine how the first emperor, Augustus, established this peace and how it was maintained through a powerful military, extensive road networks, and a unified legal system. Discover the flourishing of trade, architecture, and culture that defined this golden age, and learn how this long peace shaped the legacy of the Roman Empire and all of Western civilization.

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These are the same multiple-choice questions you will see in the Quiz section after you listen to the episode. Use them here to preview or review the answers.

What does the Latin term 'Pax Romana' translate to, and what does it describe?

  1. "Roman Law"; the legal code of the empire.
  2. "Roman Victory"; the period of Roman conquests.
  3. "Roman Peace"; a long period of internal stability and prosperity within the Roman Empire.
  4. "Roman People"; the citizenry of Rome.

The Pax Romana is generally considered to have been initiated by which Roman leader, the first emperor?

  1. Julius Caesar
  2. Marcus Aurelius
  3. Pompey the Great
  4. Augustus

Which of the following were key factors contributing to the economic prosperity of the Pax Romana? (Select all that apply)

  1. The establishment of Athenian-style democracy in all provinces.
  2. The construction of an extensive network of roads.
  3. A common currency and legal system.
  4. The clearing of pirates from the Mediterranean Sea.
  5. The abolition of all forms of slavery.

The stability of the Pax Romana allowed for a golden age of culture, including the construction of which famous Roman architectural marvel?

  1. The Parthenon
  2. The Great Wall of China
  3. The Colosseum
  4. The Pyramids of Giza

The end of the Pax Romana and the beginning of a period of instability is often associated with the death of which emperor, who was also a noted Stoic philosopher?

  1. Nero
  2. Caligula
  3. Augustus
  4. Marcus Aurelius

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