The Roman Peace

For two centuries after Augustus, the Mediterranean world was more peaceful and connected than ever before. About 60 million people lived under Roman law, linked by roads, ships and one currency.

Cities across the empire built baths, theatres and aqueducts. Under Trajan the empire reached its greatest size, from Britain to the Persian Gulf.

The peace had limits: the Jewish revolt was crushed, and the frontier legions were always busy. It ended with plague and war under Marcus Aurelius.