Roman Hispania: Administration, Society, and the Third Century Crisis

The Process of Romanization in Hispania (S. I-III)

Territorial Administration: Provinces, Monasteries, and Cities

Augustus' administrative reform established two types of provinces: a) Senatorial and b) Imperial.

Economic Characteristics and Slavery

Hispania was integrated into a system of production based on slavery, in which the people of the conquered territories provided cheap and abundant labor. This system was a key cog in the Roman Empire.

Roman Hispania's Social Structure

Social position was determined by legal category, inherited in principle, but which could change throughout life. From top to bottom, the social hierarchy included the following categories:

• Citizens Belonging to Orders:
  • Senate Order
  • Equestrian Order
  • Order Decurional
• Roman Citizens Outside Orders: They enjoyed political, military, and social privileges.
• Freemen Non-Citizens: They lacked political rights but were civilians.
• Freedmen: They were freed slaves.
• Slaves: Individuals whose situation arose from having contracted debts, being children of slaves, or being caught in a war. They were denied any right.

The Crisis of the Third Century and Late Roman Rule (S. IV-V)

The Crisis of the Third Century

The role of the army had a significant impact on policy and created a period of military anarchy.

Ruralization Process in the Lower Empire

The economy of the Lower Empire entered a process of ruralization. The powerful elite left the cities to buy large estates.

Shifts in the Social Structure

The High Empire had been sustained by the business of the cities and slave labor. But both pillars began to crumble in the third century, as slavery was becoming scarcer and more expensive.

Reforms of the Fourth Century and New Divisions

Administrative reform during the fourth century was one of the most important changes implemented.

The Cultural Legacy of Roman Hispania

The cultural legacy of Roman Hispania includes:

• Language: Latin was gradually imposed, displacing local languages. Euskera (Basque) is the only indigenous language that has survived in our land.
• Religion: Roman religion shifted the peninsular variety of indigenous religions. Christianity was eventually imposed, mirroring its rise across the rest of the Roman Empire.
• Artistic Legacy: It is worth mentioning the large number of architectural, urban, and public works for which we are heirs.