Roman Provinces and Empire

Provinces

The Roman ProvinceGoverned by a Roman Governor (often a former senior magistrate, like a consul or praetor)

The governor had almost unchecked power, as an appeal to his decisions to Rome was difficult and rare.

The governor had command of the army, oversaw taxation, administered justice, and was the only one who could impose the death penalty

Taxes were typically auctioned to private collection groups of companies.

The governor could and would deal with any uprising or outside enemy using the army

Even when Rome was a republic, the administration of the provinces was not representative, but rather that of subjects

The Pax RomanaRoman Rule brought an end to war in many lands with a very violent history and countless wars (e.g. Greece).

Now everyone could get on with their lives, pay their taxes and prosper in the civilized world of the Romans.

Pompey in the 1st c BC cleared the Mediterranean from piracy, and thereafter the seas were relatively safe and open to commerce and trading.

In this respect Roman rule brought economic prosperity for all

The exchange of ideas, goods, and knowledge which the Roman Rule facilitated allowed for progress and enhanced skills.

Who profitedRome certainly did as affluent provinces contributed plenty of tax.

Although the emperors (at least the good ones) tried to curb corruption among magistrates and civil servants, governors certainly profited too.

But the provinces profited also, because almost universally they had more income, and they were paying tax in an orderly and relatively fair manner

The census of Augustus in year 0 (mentioned in the story of the birth of Christ) was intended to distribute the burden of taxation more fairly.

In the provinces business and productivity flourished and resulted in a healthier economy.

The decline

Things started going wrong from the 3rd c.

Provinces were increasingly harassed and plundered by invaders.

As the borders of the empire begin to crumble, so does productivity and the trades.

Near the end of the Roman period entire towns are abandoned (e.g. Sparta)

Western Europe gradually will slip into Feudalism, while North Africa and eventually the entire east coast of the Mediterranean (from Syria to Egypt) will fall to the Arabs.