Roman Provincial Boundaries: A Multidisciplinary approach to the specific case of Baetica

Abstract

Roman limits have been an important topic in the bibliography, but mostly in the frontiers of the Roman Empire. The Limes Congresses are a good proof, but not for the provincial boundaries. These, however, have not received desired attention. Currently, this topic is getting more important,but it is still not a completely developed field of study. Sometimes the overlay of boundaries, their fuzzy appearance and other complications make this job difficult. A multidisciplinary approach combining traditional perspectives,such as reviewing the Classics, with the study of archaeological remains, such as milestones, onomastic epigraphy, numismatic, “tituli picti” (amphoric epigraphy),pottery, ect., can sketch it out more clearly. Moreover, it will define provincial territories more accurately. Boundaries are not about a simple line, but there are more socio-economic factors influenced by Roman provincial policies, as well as identity, or other factors. In this paper are shown different methods, concepts of limit in Antiquity, problems of different regions, and a preliminary approach to Roman Provincial Boundaries in southern Spain (Provincia Baeticae).