Provinces of the Roman Empire

Between the mid-third century BCE and mid-second century BCE, Rome rapidly acquired a Mediterranean empire consisting of territories that it divided into administrative units called provinces. Through the examination of documentary and literary sources, and art and archaeology, this seminar traces the formation and growing complexity of Roman provincial administration and life in the provinces during the Republic and imperial period. Topics of study include the responsibilities of the provincial governor and his staff; the creation of provincial landscapes through the destruction of cities and construction of long-distance roads; the emergence of new provincial identities; revolts against Rome; and provincial expressions of loyalty to the emperor.