After the conquests of Julius Caesar in Gaul the Rhine had
become the frontier between that country and Germany. Augustus repeatedly sent
the legions into western Germany on punitive expeditions to strike terror into
its warlike tribes and to inspire respect for Roman power. It is doubtful,
however, whether he ever intended to conquer Germany and to convert it into
another province. His failure to do so meant that the Germans were not to be
Romanized as were their neighbors, the Celts of Gaul. The Rhine continued to be
the dividing-line between Roman civilization and Germanic barbarism.
THE AUGUSTAN AGE
The clash of arms on the distant frontiers scarcely
disturbed the serenity of the Roman world. Within the boundaries of the empire
the Augustan Age was an age of peace and prosperity. The emperor, with
unwearied devotion, turned to the task of ruling wisely and well his vast
dominions. He followed the example of Julius Caesar in his insistence on just
government of the provincials. In Italy he put down brigandage, repaired
the public highways, and planted many colonies in unsettled districts. In Rome
he established a regular police service, organized the supply of grain and
water, and continued, on a larger scale than ever, the public games. So many
were his buildings in the capital city that he could boast he had "found
Rome of brick and left it of marble." Augustus was also very
successful as a religious reformer. He restored numerous temples that had
fallen into decay, revived the ancient sacrifices, and celebrated with pomp and
majesty the festivals that had been neglected. These reforms gave new vigor to
the Roman state religion.
