Roman building policy in Anatolia

The quantity of state structures and buildings constructed by the central government in the provinces in Anatolia and the fiscal aid provided to them are important factors providing us with an insight into the view from Rome of the Anatolian provincial cities, which underwent very varied experiences from 129 B. C. until the dead of Alexander Severus in 135 A. D. This assistance which was provided in specific circumstances to the cities by the central government can be ascertained from epigraphical sources and from the writings of ancient authors. The biographies of the emperors written by Roman and Greek writers provide very important information concering the administration?s perception and view of the provincial cities of Anatolia. The studies made by scholars concerning building and construction activities permit us to understand the conditions of that time and to determine the level of support that was provided by Rome. This study concerning the Roman building policy in Anatolia, is generally focused upon the building activities and fiscal aid provided to the Roman administrators appointed by the imperium in the Republic and the emperors in the Principatus. Although the activities of Rome, especially after Antoninus Pius, in the Anatolian provinces were mainly concerned with buildings or with restorations made to roads and bridges, the study continues until the rule of the soldier emperors begins in 135.Although the emperors were frequently honoured as euergetes, ktistes and despotes, these honorary inscriptions often do not provide any concrete information on building activities made by the central goverment and those that do not provide this information are not included in this study. Activities such as road and bridge construction and the improvements made to roads had a great importance for the cities, but they are to be regarded primarily as military activities and, for this reason, these are not included in this study. According to their building activities, the emperors are compared, both in respect to the conditions of the time and to each other. If there is no evidence of activity, the possible reasons for this absence of activity were investigated. In consequence, if there are any planned and regular building activities within the cities of the Anatolian provinces which were instigated by the emperors and by the provincial administrators, evaluations have been made concerning the scale of this activity.