Some facts about the Roman province of Egypt: Aegyptus

Towards the end of 1st millennium BC, the rulers of the ancient Egyptian dynasties lost the control of Egypt. Under the reign of Augustus, Egypt became a Roman province after his victory over Mark Anthony and Queen Cleopatra. The Roman province of Egypt (Aegyptus) was established in 30 BC. At that time, the capital of Egypt was Alexandria. According to the Greek mythology, the name “Aegyptus”  is derived from the name of an ancient Greek ruler known as Aegyptus. This Ancient Egypt Aegyptus was a Roman province of Egypt which was named after him.

The first governor of Egypt was Gaius Cornelius Gallus who was appointed by Augustus. The employment of a governor was a significant event that brought an end to the political influence in Egypt. The governor stood at the top of the hierarchy, followed by the administration of justice. He was made the head of the military security, assisted by cohorts and legions to secure and maintain peace and order. All the business matters were governed by the Roman law. In this way, the Romans derived huge sums of revenue from Egypt.

To ensure smooth functioning of administration, Egypt was divided into small provinces. Town councils were also established with these provinces. In the 3rd century, given administrative responsibility was given to the town councils and its officials. The Greeks had the council of elders, which was independent of the town council. Until the 4th century AD, the system of centralized governing was followed.

Roman Influence over Egypt

The Romans developed a complex tax system in Egypt. Taxes were levied on land and these could be paid in cash or kind.  However, the officials collected small taxes in cash. As per the law, a person was allowed to own property in Egypt and it was necessary for the owner of a property to perform public service.

Apart from this, an officer was appointed, who was required to find out about the property in a situation when no one claimed ownership. People who did not own a land lived as tenants. These people lived on land owned by the state, the wealthy or the king. Romans introduced the Poll tax. Citizens of metropolises paid less tax than the Egyptians.

The system of social hierarchy was introduced by Romans. In the hierarchy, Romans and Greek were at the top, who were followed by the Metropolitan and lastly the people who were staying in villages. The law stated that people could apply for citizenship either by joining the army or being a part of the legions in Egypt.  To become a citizen of Alexandria, the capital of Egypt,  a person was required to show that his parents were its citizens. Furthermore, Roman citizenship was given only to the Alexandrians.

Ancient Egypt and Roman Trade

Egypt was an essential source of food for the Romans which they transported from Egypt to Rome. It was in the 1st and 2nd century, that the trading activity in the Roman province flourished. Goods were exchanged for coins. The Egyptians had revolted against the Romans for the excessive taxation levied to cover up the losses in revenue during the 3rd century. However, this revolution resulted in the gradual decline of Egypt’s economy.

The Roman province of Aegyptus was a center for Christianity. The Coptic Christian sect is believed to have originated in this place. As Christianity began to spread throughout Egypt, Christians came to settle here. Though not much is known about how exactly Christianity was introduced in Egypt. But Alexandria was the biggest center of Christianity.

The Roman province of Aegyptus supported principles like Arianism, Gnosticism, Manichaeism, and Monasticism. As a result of the partition of the Roman Empire in two parts, Egypt was a part of the Byzantine Empire and Constantinople was its new capital. However, Alexandria remained the religious and economic center and Greek, the popular language of Egypt. But even after the partition, Alexandria continued to be the main source of food supply for the Romans.