On the issue of the temps of urbanization and integration of Isauria in the 1st – 5th centuries

Author(s):  M.I. Dorokhov, Belgorod National Research University, Belgorod, Russia, Belgorod National Research University

Issue:  Volume 46, № 1

Rubric:  Topical issues of world history

Annotation:  The article is devoted to the assimilation of Isaurians during the first-fifth centuries. For a long time the Isaurians wore the brand of «Cilician robbers». The given name was fixed because of large uprisings and robberies of neighboring provinces. Under imperial power, the Isaurians began actively adopting the traditions of the Romans and their organization of social institutions. The Greek institutions existing in Isaurian society played a significant role in this process. Despite periodic uprisings, Isauria for a short period became a region where were many cities. The cities were modeled after the Greek East. Traces of Greek and Roman culture are noticeable in the behavior of their noble people. They are visible in language, in pantheon, in architecture, in customs. A major role in strengthening the Roman positions played the construction of roads. Isauria was colonized. In 4th – 5th centuries, the Isaurians become significant figures in Constantinople. They occupy high military and political positions. Military service was another reason for their good assimilation. Byzantium very actively used them in military service. The name «Cilician robber» was assigned to them because of the peculiarities of the behavior of the Isaurians, because of the historians' negative attitude towards their uprisings. Isauria at the time of the fifth century very firmly entered Byzantium.

Keywords:  Isaurians, Byzantium, urbanization, integration.

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