To the issue of romanization of nomadic tribes in the North African provinces of the Roman empire: sources of the period of Antonines

The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 19-39-90030.

Abstract

There is a discussion in classical studies about romanization and acceptability of usage of this term. The article considers relationship between Roman authorities and nomadic population of the North African provinces during the period of Antonines in the context of this discussion. The author comes to the conclusion about a policy was pursued towards the Berber tribes combining noninterference in life of most part of the tribe and romanization of nomadic elites. In some cases nomads moved to other places or their seasonal movements could be limited. At the same time preference in relations with nomadic tribes was given to peaceful ways of resolving conflicts. The author acknowledges process of romanization of part of the tribes and considers it acceptable to use this concept in relation to North Africa. It is argued that romanization cannot be understood only as the imposition of Roman cultural norms or the dissolution of African identity in the general imperial. A person could have Roman citizenship and be loyal to princeps and the Roman empire, remaining a member of his tribe and preserving its cultural traditions.