Pax Romana was a period of relative peace throughout the Roman Empire. The period followed the fall of the second triumvirate and the sole leadership of Octavian, Julius Caesar’s nephew. Octavian had taken over leadership after defeating both Lepidus and Mark Antony. He feigned democratic leadership by referring to himself using the populist term “first citizen” however he was later positioned as an emperor.

Octavian initiated the period of Pax Romana to succeed the difficult period during the civil wars that had engulfed the Empire. Trade played a major role in ensuring peaceful coexistence among the vast members of the Empire. Through the exchange of goods and services members of the Empire learned to appreciate the different individual input towards the growth and stability of the Empire. Trade was also seen as an avenue of promoting better living standards among the people, wealth was distributed and those previously considered deprived found avenues to apply themselves in industry. Trade was also important for the Roman economy and the continued existence of Rome. The different provinces paid taxes to Rome and these funds were used to offer essential services to a majority of the citizenry. These funds also helped in maintaining law and order among the populace through payments made to the soldiers and other officials charged with this responsibility. Thus in essence trade during the Pax Romana period provided the basis for stability and growth of the Roman Empire.