Roman Provincias > Provincia Crete et Cyrenaica

Provincia Crete et Cyrenaica

Background

Provincia Crete et Cyrenaica, also known as Crete and Cyrenaica, was a Roman province located in the eastern Mediterranean, encompassing the islands of Crete and Cyrenaica (modern-day Libya). This province was formed during the reign of Emperor Augustus around 20 BCE.

Geography:

Crete is the largest of the Greek islands and lies in the southern Aegean Sea. It is characterized by a rugged terrain with mountain ranges running from west to east. The island has fertile plains and valleys suitable for agriculture. Cyrenaica is located on the northern coast of Africa and includes the eastern part of modern-day Libya. It features a diverse landscape, including coastal plains, fertile valleys, and the Jebel Akhdar mountain range.

Conquest and Administration:

Crete was conquered by the Roman Republic in 67 BCE during the Third Mithridatic War. It was initially administered as a client kingdom before being fully annexed by Rome. Cyrenaica was annexed by Rome in 74 BCE after the death of its last ruler, Ptolemy Apion. It became a Roman province under the jurisdiction of the Senate.

Economy and Resources:

Crete and Cyrenaica were agriculturally rich regions. Crete was known for its production of olives, grapes, and wheat, while Cyrenaica was famous for its cultivation of silphium, a valuable plant used in medicine and perfumery. Both regions were also involved in maritime trade, benefiting from their strategic locations in the Mediterranean.

Urban Centers and Culture:

Crete and Cyrenaica were home to several important cities and cultural centers. Cyrene, founded by Greek colonists, was the most prominent city in Cyrenaica and was known for its intellectual and artistic achievements. Gortyn was the capital of Crete during Roman rule and served as an important administrative center. Both regions were characterized by a mix of Greek and Roman influences in architecture, language, and culture.

Religion and Society:

The population of Crete and Cyrenaica included indigenous peoples as well as Greek and Roman settlers. Greek was the predominant language spoken in both regions, though Latin was also used in official contexts. The traditional Greek and Roman pantheons coexisted with local cults and religious practices. Temples dedicated to Greek and Roman gods and goddesses were common, along with local deities associated with agriculture and fertility.

Decline and Legacy:

Crete and Cyrenaica remained under Roman rule until the decline of the Western Roman Empire in the 5th century CE. Following the Roman period, both regions experienced changes in governance and culture under Byzantine, Arab, and later Ottoman rule. The legacy of Crete and Cyrenaica endures in their archaeological sites, monuments, and cultural heritage, which provide insights into the history of the region and its interactions with the broader Mediterranean world.

Roman Provincias

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Sources

Primary Sources

Strabo, Geographica Book X Chapter IV

Secondary Sources