![]() Its great library and community of writers, philosophers, and scientists were known throughout the ancient world. Goods and cultural influences flowed from Egypt to Rome through Alexandria, which Diodorus of Sicily described as “the first city of the civilized world” in the first century B.C. Trade with central Africa, the Arabian Peninsula, and India flourished along the Nile, desert routes, and sea routes from the Red Sea port of Berenike. Its deserts yielded a variety of minerals, ores, and fine stones such as porphyry and granite, which were brought to Rome to be used for sculpture and architectural elements. The country also produced papyrus, glass, and various finely crafted minor arts that were exported to the rest of the Roman empire. Its wealth was largely agricultural: Egyptian grain supplied the city of Rome. The value of Egypt to the Romans was considerable, as revenues from the country were almost equal to those from Gaul and more than twelve times those from Judaea. New structures of government formalized the privileges associated with “Greek” background.įor the first century following the Roman conquest, Egypt functioned in the Mediterranean world as an active and prosperous Roman province. All business was transacted according to the principles and procedures of Roman law, and local administration was converted to a liturgic system in which ownership of property brought an obligation of public service. For almost a decade, Egypt was garrisoned with Roman legions and auxiliary units until conditions became stable. He appointed a prefect (governor) for a limited term, which effectively depoliticized the country, neutralized rivalries for its control among powerful Romans, and undermined any possible focus for local sentiments. ![]() Augustus, who presented himself to the people of Egypt as the successor to the pharaohs, dismantled the Ptolemaic monarchy and annexed the country as his personal estate. Rome’s rule over Egypt officially began with the arrival of Octavian (later called Augustus) in 30 B.C., following his defeat of Marc Antony and Cleopatra in the battle at Actium.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |