Introduction

Ancient Roman Empire was more successful in economic stability, political stability, cultural
originality and military strength compared to other Mediterranean basin empires such as Greek,
Israelite, Mesopotamian, Carthaginian and Phoenician. However it was less successful in human
rights.
Ancient Roman Empire became the superpower of the Mediterranean empires between 27 BC
and 14 AD when Augustus was the emperor. Here are some of the important measures which led
to this tremendous achievement.
Political stability
In order to achieve political stability Augustus captured new territories such as Dacia, Arabia and
Britain. These territories would supply the Ancient Roman Empire with senators, bureaucrats,
emperor and even soldiers. He also developed a basic administrative structure that integrated his
subjects to adopt aspects of Romans politically, economically and culturally. In the process most
of the Mediterranean empires became his personal properties therefore paying their allegiance to
his empire. Some of the affected empires were Mesopotamia and Phoenicians.
Economic stability
Augustus allowed the economy to freely operate with respect to changes in the profit and price
but also designed measures to control taxation and coinage. The economy of the Ancient Roman
Empire was largely driven by agriculture because it practiced slavery just like any other
Mediterranean empires. Greek and Mesopotamia also practiced agriculture and to some extent
the agricultural produce of Mesopotamia exceeded that of Ancient Roman Empire. However,

despite some of these empires making a lot of produce compared to that of Ancient Roman
Empire, it remained successful in economic stability than them. Ancient Roman Empire
perfected in trade, an activity which made its economy grow tremendously. It was able to sell its
surplus produce to empires which needed them and bought from them whatever it could not
produce. This was only possible because Ancient Roman Empire had built road networks across
the empire hence movement of goods from one place became possible and efficient. Most of the
Mediterranean empires such as Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greek and Mesopotamia had not
embrace road technology in their respective territories. Again it imposed high taxes on its newly
acquired territories.
Military strength
A central military treasury was set aside by the emperor to enable him reward his soldiers with
regular compensation, promotions and occasional bonuses. His soldiers also gained skills from
auxiliary troops he inherited from the conquered territories. The territories of the Ancient Roman
Empire was expanded and reinforced by his loyal troops. He had more organized and effective
troops compared to its Mediterranean counterparts.
Cultural originality
Ancient Roman was built on Roman culture which championed for prosperity and peace. In each
and every part of the territory, Augustus called for peace and prosperity. He encouraged his
people to embrace morality and give birth to more children. Some of the Mediterranean empires
such as Greece and Phoenix involved themselves in war.
Human rights

In Ancient Roman Empire there were several races such as British, Asians, Spanish and Italians.
They were encouraged to embraced to roman culture hence became Romanians and were treated
equally. There was class of the wealthy and the poor. Religion was considered common as
Augustus revived the temples which had fallen earlier. Human rights of women were however
violated by the Ancient Roman Emperor because they were penalized in case they were childless
or unmarried. Other Mediterranean empires such as Greek, Phoenician, Carthaginians and
Mesopotamia did not subject its women to such violation of human rights.

Reference
Western Civilizations: Their History & Their Culture, 18th edition Vol.1