In the ancient Mediterranean currency was produced in coin and coinage was often minted with pro-dynastic propaganda in mind. Often this propaganda would associate a king or emperor with a particular god or hero, but they could also have short phrases emblazoned on them. The Latin 'pax' was written on Roman coins during Augustus' reign and during the reigns of many of his successors. This attempted to associate Augustus' reign with peace and stability, in sharp contrast to the era that preceded his seizure of absolute power. This theme proved useful and would be copied for centuries after Augustus' death.
The concept of Pax Romana is related to currency in more ways than just the physical unit of exchange. During the period referred to as Pax Romana the empire maintained control over political, taxation and military matters in its territories while allowing local customs to continue to varying degrees. Part of its political and taxation goals included a monopoly on the right to mint coins, not unlike modern states. The period of Pax Romana allowed for high levels of currency standardization over a vast swath of territory, improving the ability of merchants to trade across the Mediterranean world.
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