Final answer:
The Five Good Emperors of Rome contributed to its prosperity through infrastructural developments, military expansion and stability, and by maintaining the peace through public distribution of grain and entertainment. These emperors also fostered a meritocratic government, although the society remained highly stratified with minimal social mobility.
Step-by-step explanation:
The "Five Good Emperors" of Rome, who ruled from 96-180 AD, brought prosperity and stability to the empire through various initiatives. They continued the practices of Augustus, who established a professional bureaucracy, reduced the standing army, and provided for discharged veterans. Infrastructure development, such as public works and roads, facilitated trade and movement, contributing to economic growth. The emperors maintained the borders with a strong military presence, sometimes expanding the territory, as Trajan did, which brought in wealth from new provinces. Additionally, they also engaged in public distribution of grain and provided entertainment, known as "bread and circuses," to placate the masses and prevent civil unrest.
Moreover, the meritocratic system of succession chosen by these emperors ensured capable governance. The aristocracy, restricted to the top one percent, both facilitated and benefited from political stability, but this also led to a highly stratified society with limited social mobility. Despite these inequities, the allure of Roman culture and citizenship, especially for provincial elites, reinforced the strength and cohesion of the empire.