History.com: How Ancient Rome Thrived During Pax Romana

After decades of political dysfunction, civil wars and assassinations that caused the Roman Republic's downfall, Ancient Rome flourished during two centuries of relative tranquility and prosperity known as the Pax Romana (Latin for "Roman Peace"). Ushered in by the ascension of Augustus as the first Roman emperor in 27 B.C., this era of political stability and security lasted until the death of Marcus Aurelius in 180 A.D. During 200 years of relative peace and prosperity, the Roman Empire reached the peak of its political and economic power.