Pax Romana

by Adrian Goldsworthy · 2016

Pax Romana: War, Peace and Conquest in the Roman World is a comprehensive historical analysis of the Roman Empire at its height during the first and second centuries AD. Author Adrian Goldsworthy challenges the traditional romanticized view of the 'Roman peace,' arguing that this stability was not achieved through coexistence but through ruthless imperial dominance, military force, and the subjugation of millions. The book examines the mechanics of Roman control, the nature of rebellions, and the pragmatic integration of conquered peoples through alliances and collaboration. By blending traditional historical perspectives with modern analysis, Goldsworthy explores the complexities of Roman statecraft, governance, and the inherent contradictions of an empire built on conquest.