What were the principal features of the society and culture of the Roman Empire at its height in the first and second centuries AD.

From the standpoint of variety of intellectual and artistic interest, the first and second centuries periods outshine all other ages in the history of Rome. From 27 BC to about 200 AD Roman philosophy attained its most characteristic form. The same period also witnessed the production of outstanding literary works, the growth of a distinctive architecture and art, and the greatest triumphs of Roman engineering.

The form of philosophy that appealed most strongly to the Romans was Stoicism. The reasons for Stoicism's popularity are its emphasis upon duty, self-discipline, and subjection to the natural order of events, it accorded well with the ancient virtues of Roman and with their habits of conservatism. The most influential Stoic philosopher of the century was Epictetus, who taught that man, could be free by the control of his will and the cultivation of inner peace.

The literary achievements of the Romans bore a definite relation to their Philosophy. Horace, for example, in his famous Odes drew copiously from the teaching of both Epicureans and Stoics. Virgil, another example, likewise reflects a measure of the philosophical temper of his age.

The literature of the period exemplified conflicting social and intellectual tendencies. The tales of Petronius, Apuleius and the epigrams of Martial, for example, describe exotic and sometimes sordid aspect of Roman life. The aim of the authors is not to instruct or uplift but chiefly to tell an entertaining story or turn a witty phrase.

The arts most truly expressive of the Roman Character were architecture and sculpture. Architecture was monumental, designed to symbolize power and grandeur. It contained as its leading elements the round arch, the vault, and the dome, although at times the Corinthian column was employed, especially in the construction of temples. The materials most commonly used were brick, squared stone blocks, and concrete the last Roman invention. Roman architecture was developed primarily to utilitarian purposes. The examples were government buildings, amphitheaters, baths, racecourses and private houses. Roman sculpture included as its main forms triumphal arches and columns, narrative releifs, altars, and portrait busts and statues. Its distinguishing characteristic was individuality and naturalism.

Closely related to their achievements in architecture was Roman triumphs in engineering and public services. The imperial Romans built marvelous roads and bridges, many of which still survive. Romans also established the first hospital in the Western world and the firs system of state supported medicine. For all their achievements in engineering, the Roman accomplished little in science. The only real scientific advance was the work of Greek scientists who lived in Italy. For instance the astronomer Ptolemy and physicist Galen.

Roman society exhibited the same general tendencies as in the last days of Republic. One of the least attractive of its traits was the low status it accorded to women. Seldom have women been so confined to domesticity and obscurity. Roman women did not even really have their own names but were given family names with their fathers and husbands, were valued to he degree they produced progeny, and were expected to stay at home. Less highly placed women sought outlets in the excitement of gladiatorial shows or in the ceremonies if religious cults.