The Importance of Public Works in the Roman Empire

Praetorian prefect Marcus Gavius Maximus served an unprecedented 20 years from 138 to 158, despite persistent calls for his removal. His emphasis on continuity over novelty was also evident in Antoninus' attitude towards public works. Local elites were leaned on heavily to defray the cost of the projects they petitioned the emperor to pay for. When earthquakes struck or fires broke out, as they frequently did throughout the empire, Antoninus would underwrite the emergency response and rebuilding efforts out of his own pocket.