The Augustan Age and the Pax Romana
Key Terms in Roman History
Mark Antony: A close political ally of Julius Caesar and initial designated familial leader. He initially shared power with Octavian, controlling the eastern half of the Roman Empire, but his entanglement with Cleopatra and actions such as declaring Caesarion as Caesar's true heir led to conflict. He was defeated by Octavian at the Battle of Actium in BC and later committed suicide.
Octavian/Augustus: Julius Caesar's nephew and official heir. He initially controlled the western half of the empire, eventually consolidating power after defeating Mark Antony. He carefully orchestrated a transfer of authority, renouncing his army and imperium and was granted the title Augustus ("the revered one") by the Senate. He called himself princeps ("first citizen") and became Rome's sole ruler, leading to the Augustan Age and the Pax Romana.
Princeps: Meaning "first citizen," this was the title Augustus used for himself to signify his position as a leading but not absolute figure, aiming to restore the illusion of a Roman Republic while holding ultimate power.
Germans: Tribal peoples settled on Rome's northern and eastern borders, viewed by Romans as savage barbarians. Despite some integration, a major uprising led by Arminius in the Teutoburg Forest inflicted a severe blow to Roman forces, reinforcing Augustus's policy of consolidating existing borders.
Pax Romana: Meaning "Roman Peace," this was a period of relative global peace and stability maintained by Roman military strength, benevolent rule, and cultural influence, beginning with Augustus's reign.
Hadrian/Hadrian's Wall: Hadrian was a Roman Emperor who reigned from to AD. He is best known for building Hadrian's Wall, a defensive fortification in Britannia (Roman Britain) that marked the northern limit of Roman territory.
Cicero: Marcus Tullius Cicero was a Roman statesman, orator, lawyer, and philosopher who served as consul in BC. He is widely considered one of Rome's greatest orators and prose stylists, playing a crucial role in the politics of the late Roman Republic.
Virgil: Publius Vergilius Maro was an ancient Roman poet during the Augustan period. He is known for three major works of Latin literature: the Eclogues (or Bucolics), the Georgics, and the epic Aeneid, the latter being a foundational epic of Roman mythology.
Aqueducts: Advanced Roman engineering constructions used to transport water from distant sources to cities and towns. These massive structures, often using arches, were vital for urban sanitation, public baths, and private use, showcasing Roman architectural and hydraulic prowess.
Insulae: Multi-storied apartment buildings in ancient Rome, primarily inhabited by the plebeian classes (the poor and middle classes). They were often poorly constructed and prone to collapse or fire, providing housing for the vast majority of Rome's urban population.
Gladiators: Professional combatants who fought against each other, wild animals, or condemned criminals for the entertainment of Roman audiences. Gladiatorial games were public spectacles, often funded by the state or wealthy citizens like Augustus.