Pax Romana 
Last Updated     11/21/2007     11/19/2007      11/18/2007

Pax Romana means "peace of Rome."   The peace lasted 200 years.  There were problems, such as revolts, but Rome and its people prospered.  Civilization spread, cultures mixed.

Trade
Trade increased with peace.
The same coins were used all over the empire.
There were no tariffs on goods that were brought into the country.
Goods and money moved along trade routes.
The Mediterranean Sea was cleared of pirates.
It was safe for travel and trade.
Shipping became big business.
In the summer, ships brought grain to Rome from North Africa.

Rome Imports
Building products such as, bricks, marble, granite, and wood.
Luxury items included amber from the north and silk from China.

Business for Rome
Increased trade meant more business for Romans.
Shopkeppers grew richer.
Wine and olive oil were the main exports. of other countries.
Italy became a maufacturing center.
Romans made pottery, bronze, and woolen cloth.

Law
During Pax Romana, Roman law went through changes.
The laws on the Twelve Tables were changed.
Roman judges had to write new laws that would be fair to Romans and non-Romans.
The judges were helped by special lawyers and legal writers called jurus prudentes.
The new laws contained principles that were fair to everyone.
Everyone was equal before the law.
A person was inncent until proven guilty.
By 125 AD, Roman law was standardized.
Laws were the same all over the empire.
Roman legal principles formed the basis for laws of most western countries and the Christian church.

Twelve Tables
Table I  Both accused and accuser must be present at a hearing or trial on the matter.
Table II  Gives debtors 30 days to pay off a debt.  After that, a crditor can make the debtor a prisoner
Table VIII  List punishmnets for certain crimes.  If a person lies in court thry are executed.
Table IX  If a judge takes a bribe he is executed. People committing treason are executed.

Economic Impact
Established  a uniform system of money.
Trade was expanded.
Guranteed safe travel and trade on Roman roads.
Promoted prosperity and stability.

Social Impact
Returned stability to social classes.
Increased the emphasis on the family.

Political Impact
Created a civil service.
Developed a uniform rule of law.