According to Pliny (admittedly a native of the province), Gallia Narbonensis was 'by the cultivation of its soil, the manners and civilization of its inhabitants and the extent of its wealth, surpassed by no other province in the Empire'. Philip Kay-Bujak describes how this vital area came to be occupied and incorporated into Rome's domains  and how it was then governed. Straddling important roads connecting Rome with Spain, northern Gaul and the Channel ports, the province grew into an agricultural and economic powerhouse. Containing some of the finest examples of Roman cities, such as Narbonne and Lyon, it was among the most sought after postings for Roman officials. However, this strategic positioning also made it the battlefield for numerous foreign invasions and civil wars, and we follow the region's fluctuating fortunes through several centuries of drama. Drawing on extensive research and many personal visits to the area, Philip Kay-Bujak brings us a fascinating story of this particular region. Moreover, it also serves as an excellent case study in the evolving methods, challenges and impacts of imperial governance across the Roman world. Part historical study, part travel guide, it explores the legacy the Roman Empire bequeathed to this beautiful region.

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Acknowledgements
• Preface
• Part I: How was the Roman Empire Created?
  • Chapter 1 The Background to Roman Imperialism
  • Chapter 2 The Historical Debate on Imperialism
  • Chapter 3 The Current Debate on Roman Imperialism – Three Theories
  • Chapter 4 How do Carthage and The Punic Wars Add to the Analysis of Roman Imperialism in the Third and Second Century bce?
  • Chapter 5 The Importance of a Single Ficus 23
• Part II: The Conquest and Settlement of Gallia Narbonensis
  • Chapter 6 Economic Opportunities and Political Realities
  • Chapter 7 The Early Foundations of the Province, 118–27 bce
  • Chapter 8 The Geography of Southern Gaul – the Journey of a Military Courier
  • Chapter 9 The Evolution of the Physical Infrastructure of Southern Gaul in Two Case Studies – the Via Domitia and Narbonne
• Part III: How Did Rome Govern and Exploit Gallia Narbonensis?
  • Chapter 10 Settlement by Osmosis – People Not Policies Make Provinces
  • Chapter 11 The Governor under the Republic and the Principate
  • Chapter 12 The Roman Civil Service
  • Chapter 13 Oligarchic Collaboration
• Part IV: The Evolution of the Province from the Principate to the Severan Period 27 bce–235 ce
  • Chapter 14 Urban Expansion in the Early Principate – a Case Study of Glanum
  • The Further Commercial Expansion of the Province in the Augustan Period.
  • Chapter 15 The Changing Role of the Army in Gallia Narbonensis 27 bce–235 ce
  • Chapter 16 Imperial Visits 14 bce–123 bce
  • Chapter 17 Improving Financial Controls over the Province 14-235 ce
• Notes
• Bibliography
• Reader
• Plates