Fourteen years of bloody civil war followed the assassination of Caesar Augustus, who was often referred to as the greatest emperor of Rome. Several men of power attempted to take the throne, but none other than Caesar’s own nephew, Octavian, were triumphant. A few years after taking the throne, …show more content…
While this had little effect on the local people of the Roman countryside, new cities were immensely affected by the exposure to the unfamiliar Roman customs. The provinces, which started as settlements of army veterans and quickly became flourishing cities, adopted the Latin language and Roman law. As Roman culture improved life in the provinces, the provinces improved the standard of living for all of the Empire. Transportation and trade improved as agriculture flourished. Roads, bridges, and long aqueducts, which supplied the cities with fresh water, were built. Commercial interaction became more direct and taxes on international trade became a main source of revenue for the Roman government. The stationing of troops throughout the provinces increased business for farmers and merchants, due to the soldiers’ need of supplies. Historians believe it was easier for these provinces to accept Romanization because of their enhanced living conditions under Roman