27 B.C.E-180 C.E. Pax Romana (jan 1, 27 – jan 1, 180)

Description:

The period of "Pax Romana" or Roman Peace in English was a time period in Roman history of great economic and cultural prosperity and peace that lasted for a little more than two hundred years. Historically the ascension of Augustus to Emperorship in 27 B.C.E. has been claimed as the beginning of the time period while the death of Marcus Aurelias in 180 C.E. has been claimed as the end. The idea of Pax Romana is a very influential and even subjective theory, but the term was first coined in 55 C.E. by Seneca the Younger.

The uncontested control of the Mediterranean and sounding seas such as the Black Sea led to the Roman Empire slowing down their conquest and focusing on ensuring the internal stability of the empire. The rule of law, peace, and insurance of security and order within the empire was a stark contrast from the previous centuries of constant internal strife and wars of conquest. This stability and peace led to increase in trade and culture throughout the Empire and greatly increased prosperity.

Byzantium greatly benefited from this "Pax Romana" situated at the channel connecting the Black Sea with the Mediterranean and at the center between Asia and Europe the city was in a prime location to take advantage of the newfound stability. The trading importance and wealth of the city greatly increased and greatly helped the city become much more influential and wealthier compared to other cities in the Greek-Roman area. The prosperity and influence the city reached and enjoyed this time period could have played a part in why the Eastern Roman Empire was able to prosper and succeed and why Constantine decided to choose this location for his new Capitol.

Sources:
Klein, Christopher. “How Ancient Rome Thrived during Pax Romana.” History, 18 Aug. 2021, www.history.com/news/pax-romana-roman-empire-peace-augustus.

‌“What Was the Pax Romana?” WorldAtlas, www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-was-the-pax-romana.html.

CAPTION: A statue of Ceasar Augustus who's ascension to emperorship is widely stated as the beginning of the "Pax Romana"

Added to timeline:

Date: