AP World HistoryPOD #4

Mediterranean DemocracyPax Romana

Class Discussion Questions

McKay – “Augustus’s Settlement”, pp. 152-159

1. What was the Pax Romana?

• Augustus restored peace bringing prosperity to the Mediterranean world

• Augustus created a constitutional monarchy

• Greco-Roman culture expanded into Gaul, Spain, Germany, Eastern Europe, and Western Africa

2. What reforms did Augustus (Octavian) institute?

• Attempted to restore the republic after years of civil war and anarchy

• Planned for the Senate to take an active role in this process, but did not give it the power to complete this task

• As a result of a weak Senate much of the burden for governing fell to Augustus

• A constitutional monarchy was formed and by his acquisition of titles and power he created the position of Emperor

• Maintained a great deal of power as a commander fo the Roman Army

• The army was made into a professional force creating a reliable tool for the defense of the empire

• Created 40 new colonies that facilitated the spread fo the Latin language and culture

3. How were the Roman provinces impacted by the Pax Romana?

• Encouraged local self-government and respected local customs

• Expanded into northern and western Europe (modern Germany)

• The Roman Army built camps and barracks in these newly acquired regions linking them with roads

• Settlements rose up around the camps – through this process Roman culture continued to spread

• Most native people only adopted the elements of Roman culture that fit their needs

• Most, however, realized that acceptance of Roman culture brought with it political goodwill

4. What happened to the Roman Empire after the death of Augustus?

• The principate was not an official office and could therefore, not be legally handed to a chosen successor

• Augustus had previously begun sharing his tribunican powers as Augustus on Tiberius creating the first Roman dynasty

• Five Good Emperors (96-180 A.D.) – ruled wisely, fairly, and humanely / created an era of peace and prosperity / the emperor and his power was essential to holding the empire together / Roman Army became stationary at fixed points in the empire designed to repel invaders and maintain order / Roman Army still had Italian officers but the masses were made up of soldiers from the frontier provinces / the army became indifferent to Rome and its’ traditions