The Rise of Ancient Rome
The city of Rome first rose to prominence as early as 753BC, when it was founded by Romulus and Remus. Although it was slow in its growth and was not the biggest of cities, Rome slowly grew its borders through military conquest and peaceful expansion. The Roman Republic was the success story of the Mediterranean world and eventually transformed into the Roman Empire in 27 BC. This was the beginning of the period of what is now known as the Golden Age of Rome.
The Golden Age of Rome
The Golden Age of Rome is broadly considered to have taken place between 96BC and 180AD, a period of approximately 250 years. This period was seen as the height of Roman power and achievement, with unprecedented expansion that saw the Roman Empire reach its greatest extent, controlling much of Europe and North Africa as far as Britain and Egypt respectively. During this period, ancient Rome was a thriving and powerful culture.
The architecture and engineering accomplishments of the Roman Empire are some of the greatest ever seen. This included the world-renowned aqueduct and road systems that allowed for efficient communication and resource movement all throughout the Empire. This enabled Rome to maintain its grip on power with ease, as no other civilization could come close to matching Rome’s infrastructure and advances at this time.
The Roman Empire also enjoyed great stability during this time, thanks in no small part to the political acumen of the first Roman Emperor, Augustus Caesar. He established the system of provincial governments, appointed by the emperor, who would then manage their own affairs – making for a highly administrative centralized government.
It wasn’t only political and technical advances that made this era the golden age of Rome. One of the most defining features of this era was the cultural flowering of literature and art, with poets such as Virgil and Horace coming onto the Roman scene and producing incredible works that are still admired to this day. Roman art and sculpture too, although often lower in quality than that of the Greeks, was still remarkable. This gave the cultural life of Rome a vibrancy and verve that no previous empire had seen, and some view it as being on par with the great Renaissance.
The End of the Golden Age
The Roman Empire’s golden era came to an abrupt and bloody end in 180AD, with emperor Commodus assuming power and ushering in a period of increased instability and civil war. What followed was a series of inept Emperors who, without the guidance and stability of Augustus, were unable to contain the forces of internal and external enemies. From 180 onwards the Roman Empire began to weaken, with its provinces gradually being annexed by war mongering barbarian tribes.
By the time of Constantine in 312AD, the borders had been reduced to a fraction of their former glory, and with it, Rome had lost much of its political and economic clout. Nevertheless, the legacy of the great Roman Empire and its golden age was still firmly entrenched in the minds of those living at the time, and after the collapse of the Roman Empire, its legacy eventually transferred to subsequent empires and civilizations, including the modern-day western world.
The Severan Dynasty
The Severan Dynasty was a period of relative stability in the chaotic Roman world. Starting in 193 AD, the family of Septimius Severus took power and provided a measure of control over the empire. Under the leadership of Severus, a native of Libya, military might was restored to much of Rome’s former glory, allowing him to re-establish control of the Roman Empire throughout much of the Mediterranean. His reign lasted until 211, when his son Caracalla assumed power.
The Severan Dynasty is widely seen as a key factor in the continued growth of the Roman Empire, as it provided a strong and unified force of leadership in the face of powerful enemies. It saw impressive feats of engineering including the construction of the immense Thermae at Bath, England and the repairs of the famed Colosseum in Rome. It also expanded the Roman Empire eastward, conquering Jerusalem and expanding the borders to Mesopotamia.
Although the Severan Dynasty did not last long, it is credited with maintaining the golden age of Rome and setting it on the path to its eventual dominance of the ancient world. Its legacy is still seen today in the impressive monuments, structures and cities it left behind.
The Roman Religion
Religion was a key factor in the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. The Romans were polytheists, believing in a large pantheon of gods and goddesses who could intervene in human affairs. Numerous religions were tolerated by the Roman government, including Christianity, Judaism and Paganism, which all had their unique rituals and customs.
Roman religion was closely intertwined with politics and social life, and its festivals and rituals were seen as a way of bringing the community together. Hence, Roman religion served an important role in bringing the people of the Empire together, as well as being a source of both political and moral guidance. Throughout the Golden Age of Rome, numerous impressive temples and sanctuaries were built to honour gods and goddesses, as well as more mundane festivals and celebrations.
The Legacy of the Golden Age of Rome
The legacy of the golden age of Rome is still seen today. Although the Roman Empire eventually collapsed, its monumental achievements and contributions to western civilization are still visible in the architecture, philosophy, government, literature and technology of the modern-day western world. Rome’s legal system is also seen in many areas of the world, with most countries using a version of Roman civil and criminal law.
The impressive monuments and works of art created during this period are also still present. For example, the Colosseum in Rome is a permanent reminder of the grandeur of Imperial Rome, whilst casts and copies of statues, reliefs and other artifacts from the era are seen in museums around the world. The Golden Age of Rome is indeed a period that left an indelible mark on the world.
The Military Might of Ancient Rome
The military might of the Roman Empire was unmatched during its Golden Age. By the time Augustus had established his control over the Empire in 27BC, he had created a highly effective and efficient army that was both disciplined and well-equipped. This army not only conquered most of the Mediterranean world, but it also kept the Empire safe from invasion from hostile forces.
The Roman military was well-organized and made use of a multitude of specialized troops and siege tactics. Its legions were divided into specific divisions for different tasks such as infantry, cavalry, artillery and engineers. It also made use of highly advanced weapons such as catapults, onagers, and battering rams. In addition, it had a robust logistics system and a centralized command structure. It is no wonder then that the military of ancient Rome was so effective and successful.
The Roman military was also highly disciplined and well-trained. It was renowned for its strict training regimen and its fierce loyalty to the Emperor. This loyalty, along with its strength and resilience, allowed Rome to remain a major superpower in the Mediterranean for over 500 years.
The Roman Economy
The Roman economy was the driving force behind the success of the Roman Empire during its golden age. Rome had a thriving agriculture which was complemented by a flourishing industry that produced luxury goods, arms, and other commodities. Rome also had a robust trade policy and imported goods from around the world, including spices, jewels, and fabrics.
The currency of the Roman Empire, the denarius, was a highly effective and stable form of currency that served as the foundation of the Roman economy. The Roman government also invested heavily in public works, such as aqueducts, roads, and other infrastructure. This encouraged economic growth and helped to connect the various regions of the Empire, both commercially and politically.
The economy of ancient Rome was the envy of the ancient world, and it was this wealth that allowed the Romans to build impressive monuments and to maintain their control over the Mediterranean. It was also a major factor in the spread of Roman culture and technology to the far reaches of the Mediterranean, and to the modern-day western world.
Conclusion
The golden age of Rome was an incredibly significant period in the history of the Western world. It saw the Roman Empire reach its apex and become one of the most powerful civilizations of its time. It was during this era that technical and political advances, as well as cultural and artistic achievements, all reached the highest level. Furthermore, its political, military and social systems established the foundations of the modern Western world, making the Golden Age of Rome an era that will never be forgotten.
