Brandon Strong

September 13, 2010

Latin 4
Golden Age of Rome

Augustus ushered in the Pax Romana, or, the Golden Age of Rome, in about 30

BC when he attained the title Princeps and imperator. This Roman Peace lasted for over

200 years, and brought about many positive changes to the empire. During this time

stable and peaceful leaders ruled the Roman Empire, life styles for both the rich and poor

bettered, and art and literature flourished. More specifically during this time the famous

poet, Vergil, wrote his most renowned work the Aeneid.

Augustus was the first of the Pax Romana emperors. He reformed and reshaped

the government to eliminate corruption and create peace throughout the empire. Augustus

created special lines of defense to keep peace throughout the empire such as the

Praetorian Guard. He created any protective measures to ensure that his successors could

keep the empire running smoothly. Augustus’ successors were able to maintain a

peaceful and corruption free government. There was no extreme dictators or worrisome

government problems. The transitions from leader to leader were also non violent

because the political atmosphere was relatively calm.

Life in Rome was better during the Pax Romana than it was ever before. Life in

the cities revolved around the Forum and the central business district, where most of the

Romans would go for marketing, shopping, trading, banking, and for taking part in

festivities and ceremonies. The forum was also a place for orators to express their views
 Brandon Strong
September 13, 2010
Latin 4
and ideas to a public audience. Going to a public bath at least once daily was a habit with

most Roman citizens. It did not matter whether a person was rich or poor; going to the

bath was something everyone did. However, the wealthy did live a better life than the

poor did. The wealthy have money, which means they have more food and nicer clothing.

During the Pax Romana the poor did live a much better life than they would have in a

war stricken time. Life in the countryside was slow but lively, with numerous local

festivals and social events. Citizen who were fortunate enough to own multiple farms and

houses would escape the city and enjoy the outdoors, fishing, hunting and fresh air.

Art and literature was highly valued during the Pax Romana. There was a focus

on preserving and cultivating the arts because time and money could be spent on it since

the empire was at peace. Roman Literature was very influenced by Greek authors. Some

of the earliest works we have are of historical epics telling of the early military of Rome.

During the Pax Romana works such as “Histories of Tacitus” and the “Galic Wars” by

Julias Caesar were written during this time. Portrait sculpture during the period utilized

youthful and classical proportions, evolving later into a mixture of realism and idealism.

Advancements were also made in relief sculptures, usually depicting Roman victories.

Music was a major part of everyday life in Rome during the Pax Romana. Many private

and public events were accompanied by music, ranging from nightly dining to military

parades.
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September 13, 2010
Latin 4
Vergil represents the height of Roman epic poetry. His Aeneid tells the story of

flight of Aeneas from Troy and his settlement of the city that would become Rome.

Vergil was amazed by Rome’s transition into a Golden Age under the leadership of

Augustus, who promised prosperity. His epic poem was to help strengthen Rome’s

position by displaying Augustus’ divine lineage. Vergil depicts Aeneas as the new type

of hero that fits the new Roman age. Vergil not only wrote an amazing epic poem, he

also used his writing to portray his political beliefs, which helped to glorify Augustus.

The Pax Romana was a time for the Roman people that brought about prosperity

and empire wide peace. It allowed the art and economy to flourish. It allowed citizens to

be free from constant war. Pax Romana brought about some of the best literature ever to

be written, the Aeneid.

 Brandon Strong
September 13, 2010
Latin 4

Works Cited

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McGill, Sara Ann. Ancient Roman Government. Great Neck, 2009. 7. Print.

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Almanac, Atlas, Biographies, Dictionary, Thesaurus. Free Online Reference,
Research & Homework Help. — Infoplease.com. Web. 12 Sept. 2010.
<http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/world/A0860803.html#axzz0zKYuS5Xg>.

"The Aeneid." Free Study Guides for Shakespeare and Other Authors. Web. 12 Sept.
2010. <http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guides2/Aeneid.html>.

"Virgil's Aeneid and the Roman State: The Political Agenda of Virgil's Epic."
Suite101.com: Online Magazine and Writers' Network. Web. 12 Sept. 2010.
<http://www.suite101.com/content/virgils-aeneid-and-the-roman-state-a72421>.