ROMAN EMPIRE

EXPANSION & TRADE

AUGUSTAN AGE

PAX ROMANA

Augustan Age

After Augustus became emperor, the Roman Empire grew politically and economically, and life improved for the Roman people.

The Roman Empire

The Roman Empire extended over three continents:•Europe•Africa•Asia

Pax RomanaA period of peace and prosperity in the cities and the country.

•The first 200 years of the Roman Empire were a time of peace called the Pax Romana.

•During this time, trade increased and people became wealthy.

•This positively affected life in the cities and in the country.

The Roman Empire Expands

• The Roman Empire expanded to control the entire Mediterranean world.

• Trade increased in Rome, both within the empire and with other people.

• Traders travelled by land and sea and connecting people, goods, and ideas throughout the Empire.

6.7.3

Trade Routes

Rome improved trade routes within its Empire by building:

•A vast system of roads•harbors•canals

Traders

Traders brought goods from all over the empire•Spain-wine, olive oil, copper, and gold•Britain-tin and wool•Gaul (France)-olives, wine, grain, glass, and pottery•Asia Minor-wool, linen, timber•Egypt-papyrus

Traders

Traders brought goods from outside the empire.

•Africa-gold, incense, ivory, •China/India- spices, silk, tea, porcelain

Currency System

•Coins helped to increase trade throughout the empire.

•Coins made it easier to trade goods throughout the Empire.

•Coins made it easier to pay taxes.

Roman Roads increased Trade

Romans built a network of sophisticated and durable roads that promoted:•Trade•Travel•Moving armies around•Spreading Ideas

Trade Improved the lives of Roman people

•Roman citizens could buy things. •Roman merchants became wealthy.•Rome built aqueducts to bring water into the cities.•Rome built great stadiums and amphitheaters for the entertainment of the people.

Increased Trade promoted an exchange of cultureTrade with other places (Africa, Asia, northern Europe) spread Roman ideas throughout the world.•Philosophy•Architecture•Literature •Laws (twelve tables-written code of laws)•Republican form of government