Pannonia

Pannonia was a province of the Roman Empire. It was near the Danube River and included parts of several modern countries. These countries are western Hungary, western Slovakia, eastern Austria, northern Croatia, north-western Serbia, northern Slovenia, and northern Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The land of Pannonia had many important rivers. These rivers helped people travel and trade. The Romans built towns and roads there. Many people lived in Pannonia during Roman times. Learning about Pannonia helps us understand history and how the Roman Empire influenced Europe.

Background

Map showing Burebista's dominance over Pannonia and Bohemia.

In ancient times, the land called Pannonia was home to many different groups of people. First, tribes called the Pannonians lived there. Later, groups called the Celts moved into the area. They fought with the local tribes and built many small villages. Some of these villages grew big and important, and the people there even made their own coins.

Over time, other groups like the Scordisci and the Dardani also moved into the region. They fought with each other and with nearby lands. Eventually, the Romans began to take control of the area, starting with the town of Aquileia. This marked the start of Rome's influence in Pannonia.

Roman conquest

People of Transdanubia and its surroundings before the Roman conquest

Pannonia was a land that Rome wanted to control. The people there fought back, but Rome kept coming back. In 35 BC, a Roman leader named Octavian attacked and took over parts of Pannonia. Later, in 15 BC, another Roman leader named Tiberius made friends with some nearby groups.

There were many fights over the years. In 10 BC, the people of Pannonia rose up again, but Tiberius stopped them. Rome wanted to use the Danube River as a border. By 9 AD, after many battles, Rome finally controlled most of Pannonia. One big uprising happened from 6 to 9 AD, led by leaders named Bato and Pinnes. They tried to attack Italy but failed. Rome ended the fighting, and by 9 AD, the leaders gave up.

History

The divided Pannonia in the second century AD

Pannonia was part of the Roman Empire. Around 8 or 9 AD, it was split into two regions, Dalmatia and Pannonia. The Romans worked hard to bring peace to the area. They built roads, towns, and forts.

Many leaders helped Pannonia grow. Emperor Tiberius started building towns and roads. Later, Emperor Claudius helped bring Pannonia fully into the Roman Empire. During this time, Pannonia faced challenges, but Roman leaders worked to keep peace.

After Roman rule

After the Romans left, Pannonia changed a lot. In the 5th century, the Huns took over some parts. Later, the Ostrogoths settled there. By the 6th century, the Eastern Roman Empire controlled a small part of the south.

Gerulata, a Roman military camp located near today's Rusovce, Slovakia.

After that, the Avars and Slavs moved into the area. By the 790s, the Franks came and used the name "Pannonia" for a new region they ruled. The old Latin language from Roman times slowly faded away around the 6th century.

Cities and auxiliary forts

Aerial photography: Gorsium - Tác - Hungary

Many places in Pannonia started as small villages. Over time, some grew into bigger towns, mostly influenced by the Romans. Here are some important cities and towns from Pannonia, now located in different countries:

Now in Austria:

Carnuntum (Petronell, Bad Deutsch-Altenburg)
Vindobona (Vienna)

Now in Bosnia and Herzegovina:

Aquincum, Hungary

Saldae (Brčko)
Serbinum or Servitium (Gradiška)
Castrum and Canabea (Doboj)

Now in Croatia:

Now in Hungary:

Ruins of Imperial Palace in Sirmium

Ad Flexum (Mosonmagyaróvár)
Ad Mures (Ács)
Ad Statuas (Vaspuszta)
Ad Statuas (Várdomb)
Alisca (Szekszárd)
Alta Ripa (Tolna)
Aquincum (Óbuda, Budapest)
Arrabona (Győr)
Brigetio (Szőny)
Caesariana (Baláca)
Campona (Nagytétény)
Cirpi (Dunabogdány)
Contra-Aquincum (Budapest)
Contra Constantiam (Dunakeszi)
Gorsium-Herculia (Tác)
Intercisa (Dunaújváros)
Iovia (Szakcs)
Lugio (Dunaszekcső)
Lussonium (Dunakömlőd)
Matrica (Százhalombatta)
Morgentianae (Tüskevár (?))
Mursella (Mórichida)
Quadrata (Lébény)
Sala (Zalalövő)
Savaria (Szombathely)
Scarbantia (Sopron)
Solva (Esztergom)
Sopianae (Pécs)
Ulcisia Castra (Szentendre)
Valcum (Fenékpuszta)

Now in Serbia:

Now in Slovakia:

Gerulata (Rusovce)

Now in Slovenia:

Economy

Pannonia was a productive place, especially after its forests were cleared. Timber was an important export at first. The main crops were oats and barley, which people used to make a type of beer called sabaea. Vines and olive trees were not commonly grown. Pannonia was also known for its hunting dogs. The land likely had iron and silver mines.

Slavery

Slavery was less common in Pannonia than in older Roman areas. Wealthy people used slaves for housework, and soldiers who owned land used slaves on their farms. Slaves also worked in workshops in western cities for rich business owners. In Aquincum, slaves were freed after a short time.

Religion

Pannonia had places of worship for Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, important gods in the Roman Empire. People also honored older Celtic gods. In Aquincum, there was a special place for a mother goddess. Worship of emperors was also common.

Christianity began to grow in Pannonia during the 2nd century and continued to grow. In the 4th century, churches and small chapels were built. There was a church dedicated to Saint Quirinus in Savaria, and many early Christian memories from places like Aquincum and Sopianae.