Roman Administrative Policy in the Province of Numidia during the Early Roman Empire (27 BC–AD 284)

Abstract

This paper examines the Roman administrative policy in the province of Numidia during the Early Imperial period. Following the transformation of the Numidian territory from a local kingdom into a Roman province, the study traces the successive developments that shaped the province's political geography until the newly introduced territorial arrangements became firmly established. In its effort to consolidate control and implement its colonial project, the Roman administration established a well-structured administrative system through various mechanisms designed to facilitate governance. This included the appointment of officials, the creation of new administrative units (cities and municipalities), and the promotion and development of existing ones to regulate both local affairs and the provincial territory. As a result of these measures, Numidia experienced a series of political and administrative changes that varied according to the policies of successive emperors. Consequently, the province did not enjoy a unified administrative organization during the first half of the Early Imperial period. Stability was achieved only after these successive reforms, with no further territorial modifications until the administrative reforms of Diocletian. Accordingly, this paper seeks to highlight the administrative organization implemented under Roman rule in the province of Numidia.