Andautonia. An Example of Local Self-Government in Pannonia

Abstract

This paper discusses the structure of local self-government in the Flavian municipium of Andautonia. In the first part, the general concept of municipia is explained. After that, different aspects are discussed, especially the strategic position of Andautonia within the Roman network of roads and river ports, as well as its supposed establishment in the 70’s AD, during the reign of Flavian emperors. With respect to the question of granting municipal status under the Flavians, the paper elaborates on various sources which are also applicable to Andautonia. The central part of the paper presents the organization and competences of local self-government bodies. On the basis of analysis of municipal organization, the paper concludes about a double function of local self-government: giving local population a possibility of self-government which ensured peace in the provinces and transpositioning of Roman governmental structure which facilitated Romanization and integration of local community.