The Flavian dynasty was followed by the Nerva-Antonine dynasty, where a series of four emperors took charge of Rome. Each of these emperors, Nerva, Titus, Antoninus Pius and Marcus Aurelius aimed to reduce corruption, reform the government and expand the city. They managed to reinstate many of the rights of citizens, particularly those in the lower classes, and also expanded free education, healthcare and welfare. Rome’s golden age continued as it was home to some of the world’s most prominent scholars, philosophers, artists and architects who enriched the cultural life in the city.
Despite the growth of the Roman Empire and the stability it brought, it faced many enemies. At one point, Rome was invaded by the Germanic Goths in the late 3rd century, who swarmed the city and looted the coffers. Rome was left in disarray and faced a dark period in its history. The city was not able to recover until Emperor Constantine I restored order in 4th century.
In 70 AD, Rome was largely dominated by citizens of the Roman Empire, but other cultures also had an influence on the city in some form. Jews had a large presence in the city, many living in the Trastevere district, where a Jewish quarter was formed. Jewish citizens followed their own traditions, spoke their own language and attended Jewish schools. There were also many refugees who had come to Rome in search of a better life, including Spanish and Greeks fleeing famine, famine and conflict.
The rise of Christianity also had an effect on Rome in this period. Christians were seen as a nuisance and often persecuted and killed, but they continued to remain steadfast in their faith. By the end of the 4th century, Christianity was recognized as the official religion of the Roman Empire, which would eventually become the Catholic Church.
Social Structure
During this period, Rome was divided into classes based on wealth, status and family. The top class consisted of the wealthy and elites, followed by the middle-class citizens. Citizens in the lower classes could not own land, but were often free to pursue trade, businesses and employment. Those at the very bottom of social hierarchy were slaves and were often treated as disposable parts in society. Slavery was an accepted form of labor in Rome, with slaves working in mines, fields and factories across the empire.
Due to Rome’s success, the privileged class was able to access the best healthcare, education and other benefits. The traditional Roman social norms played an important role in this period, such as marriage and family life, which was strictly regulated by laws.
Political Structure
In 70 AD Rome was largely an autocratic monarchy, with Emperor Vespasian ruling absolute power over all of Rome. While other ruling spouses existed, such as the Senate and the Knights, the Emperor was seen as the supreme leader of the city. He had the power to appoint other leaders and was responsible for maintaining law and order in the city.
The Roman Empire was divided into provinces, ruled by governors and the region was further divided into districts. This enabled the government to better manage the territories, collect taxes and maintain order.
Military
The Roman military was highly regarded in this period for its skill and organization. It was made up of about 28 legions and several auxiliary forces. The legions mainly consisted of citizen soldiers and conscripted labourers. The military was divided into cohorts and then further subdivided into centuries and squads. The military was largely responsible for bringing new territories and resources to the Roman Empire.
The navy was also a major part of the Roman military and it was mainly used for transportation and trade. At its height in this period, the Roman Navy had up to 250 ships. The navy was highly successful in controlling the seas and protecting the coasts of the Roman Empire.
Trade and Economy
Rome was one of the most advanced economies of its time and trade was one of the main contributors. Roman coins were the main trading currency, which were used to buy and sell goods across the empire. Rome was rich in resources such as marble, tile, wine and oil, which were highly sought after in the rest of the world.
The government also promoted trade by creating various ports and cities, such as Ostia and Portus, to facilitate trade. As Rome became a major hub for traders, it attracted many foreign merchants who brought in a variety of wares from distant lands.
Rome was also a major producer of goods. The city employed a range of skilled workers who produced items such as swords, jewelry, pottery and glass. Rome had many factories where goods were produced on a large scale, which were then exported to other parts of the empire.
Religion
Rome was home to many religions during this period, such as Christianity and Judaism, but the traditional Roman religion was still widely practiced. The traditional Roman religion was polytheistic and mainly focused on the worship of the gods Jupiter, Juno and Minerva. This religion was highly organized, with a set of rites and festivals carried out in honour of the gods.
Religion was a major part of Roman culture, with temples and shrines dotting the city. Religious holidays were celebrated by all classes, marking moments of joy and sorrow. Religion also served as a form of social control and moral teachings, with many of the gods linked to moral values and beliefs.
Conclusion
In 70 AD, Rome was a bustling and vibrant city, with many different cultures, religions and classes coexisting within a powerful empire. It was a period of great wealth and prosperity, but also of many struggles and instability. The Roman Empire was a dynamic and complex society, with its fate resting on the shoulders of the rulers and citizens in equal measure. It is a period of history that still influences our world today.
