Society and Culture of the Roman Empire

The Pax Romana (27 B.C.E.-180 C.E.) was a time of continuing unity, peace and stability in the Empire.

The government was a strong unifying force that maintained order, enforced laws, defended the frontiers and provided relief when needed.

The Emperor had to make all policy decisions.The provinces were governed more efficiently

under the empire partly because the government kept a closer eye on the provincial governors.

Government and Provinces

The Romans also expanded and modified the Twelve Tables in two ways.

1- The government passed new laws as they were needed.

2- Judges interpreted the old laws to fit new circumstances.

Agriculture remained the primary job of most people. A new type of worker-a tenant farmer known as a colonus- started to replace the slaves on large estates.

There were opportunities for trade and commerce as well. Exchange of goods was easy because taxes on trade were low and everyone used Roman currency.

Trade and Transportation

Transportation also improved during the early part of the empire.

There were an estimated 180,000 miles of paved roads that linked military outposts to cities and highways that linked all provincial cities to Rome.

They also built bridges and created an imperial post.

The Pax Romana provided prosperity but not equally to all citizens.

Rich citizens often had 2 homes while many of Rome’s residents lived in crowded 3 or 4 story apartment houses.

The rich also had leisure time while the average citizen didn’t.

Most people were poor and had little job security.

Living Conditions

Romans trained their children to be loyal citizens and to be obedient to the elders and superiors.

Their early education was done at home. Mothers and fathers would teach children different things.

Every important city had elementary, secondary and higher level schools but students in these schools had to pay a fee for their education.

Romans enjoyed the theater and performers such as jugglers, dancers and acrobats became popular.

There were also the more brutal sports such as Greek boxing, chariot races, wild animal fights and gladiator fights.

Amusements and Science, Engineering and Architecture

Romans tended to be more interested in collecting and organizing information than in scientific research itself.

The physician, Galen, wrote several books on the medical information of the day.

Romans applied Greek knowledge in planning cities, building water and sewage systems and many other things.

The Romans learned the Greek alphabet from the Etruscans and later changed some of the letters.

The Roman or Latin alphabet has 23 letters plus J, Y and W.

Long after Roman times, Latin was used for almost everything and it is the parent language of modern Romance languages.

Language