Pax Romana
Pax Romana, a state of comparative tranquillity throughout Classical antiquity and the Mediterranean world from the reign of Augustus (27 bceβ14 ce) to the reign of Marcus Aurelius (161 β180 ce). Augustus laid the foundation for this period of concord, which also extended to North Africa and Persia. The empire protected and governed individual provinces, permitting each to make and administer its own laws while accepting Roman taxation and military control.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Kathleen Kuiper.
Citation Information
Article Title:
Pax Romana
Website Name:
Encyclopaedia Britannica
Publisher:
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Date Published:
02 October 2026
Access Date:
November 14, 2026