The economic life of the people in the Roman Empire was characterized by several salient features that contributed to the prosperity and growth of the empire. These features include:

1. Agriculture:
- The backbone of the Roman economy was agriculture, with a majority of the population engaged in farming.
- The Romans developed advanced agricultural techniques, such as crop rotation and the use of fertilizers, which improved productivity.
- Large estates, known as latifundia, were owned by the wealthy elite who employed slaves to work the land.

2. Trade and Commerce:
- The Romans had an extensive network of roads, ports, and navigable rivers that facilitated trade within the empire.
- Trade was conducted through marketplaces called forums, where goods from various regions were bought and sold.
- The Romans engaged in long-distance trade with regions such as Egypt, India, and China, importing luxury goods like silk, spices, and precious metals.

3. Urbanization:
- The Roman Empire saw the growth of numerous cities, which became important centers for trade, administration, and culture.
- Urban life was supported by a complex infrastructure, including aqueducts, sewage systems, and public buildings like amphitheaters and baths.
- Cities were also hubs for manufacturing activities, such as pottery, metalworking, and textile production.

4. Slavery:
- Slavery played a significant role in the Roman economy, with slaves being used in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and domestic servitude.
- Slaves were considered property and had limited rights, but they were an essential source of labor for the empire.

5. Taxation and State Intervention:
- The Roman state levied various taxes, including land taxes, import and export duties, and sales taxes.
- The government also regulated trade, established public granaries to stabilize food prices, and provided financial assistance to citizens.

6. Currency and Banking:
- The Romans had a standardized currency system, with gold, silver, and bronze coins in circulation.
- Banking institutions, known as argentarii, emerged to facilitate financial transactions, including lending, borrowing, and money exchange.

7. Social Stratification:
- Roman society was highly stratified, with a small elite class of aristocrats and wealthy landowners at the top, followed by a middle class of merchants, craftsmen, and professionals.
- The majority of the population consisted of peasants and laborers who worked on farms or in urban industries.

In conclusion, the economic life of the people in the Roman Empire was characterized by a strong agricultural base, extensive trade networks, urbanization, reliance on slavery, state intervention, a standardized currency system, and social stratification. These features contributed to the economic prosperity and stability of the empire for several centuries.