this post was submitted on 12 Oct 2024
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Yes, they were a regional hegemon.
If I'm being generous, from the view of the average Roman citizen, they were a global hegemony, because they didn't know how big the world really was.
But they were not. There was no shortage of rival empires, some even right on their borders, and all during Pax Romana, including the Parthian Empire, Kushan Empire, and the Han Dynasty.
And my history is a bit rusty, but I'm pretty sure Rome tried multiple times to conquer the Parthian Empire, and failed.
Most importantly however, their reach did not extend across the globe, only where they could build their roads through, or sail their boats to, such as Carthage.
Also, Pax Romana, refers to a period of relative peace for Rome, brought by their imperial power. It's only indirectly related to their hegemonic status, but it's not in reference to it.