Ancient cities in Asia Minor (also known as Anatolia) maintained strong civic traditions during one of the Roman Empire’s most troubled periods, challenging the belief that political instability led to widespread urban decline. A new study of inscriptions and historical records shows that communities continued to support local institutions and public activities despite growing pressures across the empire.
The research, led by Aitor Blanco-Pérez of the University of Salamanca in Spain, examines southern and western Anatolia, in present-day Turkey, between A.D. 193 and 284.
Ancient cities in Asia Minor challenge the Roman decline narrative
Historians have traditionally described the third century as a period of political turmoil, military conflict, and economic hardship. Frequent changes in imperial leadership weakened Rome’s authority, while external attacks threatened several provinces. The unrest intensified after A.D. 235, beginning a period commonly known as the “Crisis of the Third Century.” Its effects reached major cities, including Athens, which suffered a destructive invasion in A.D. 267.
Scholars have often linked these difficulties to declining public life. Some have argued that cities could no longer support their institutions and that wealthy residents became less willing or able to finance civic activities. Blanco-Pérez challenges this broad interpretation. His research suggests that many communities in Asia Minor preserved their political structures and continued participating in public affairs.
Ancient inscriptions reveal continued civic activity
The study examines inscriptions from cities including Ephesus and Aphrodisias. It also explores developments in Thyateira, Perge and Side, focusing on local politics, relations with Roman authorities and responses to external threats. These inscriptions provide evidence of civic honors, public decisions and interactions between local communities and imperial officials. Blanco-Pérez also uses coins and ancient written accounts to understand how cities operated during the period.
Ancient cities in Asia Minor did not simply collapse during the Roman Empire's third-century crisis.
New research reveals how communities maintained civic institutions, public traditions and political activity despite imperial turmoil.#AncientRome #Archaeology pic.twitter.com/rte0oI40sE— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 16, 2026
One important source of evidence comes from inscriptions associated with a major change in Roman citizenship. In A.D. 212, Emperor Caracalla extended citizenship to most free inhabitants of the empire. The resulting spread of the Roman family name Aurelius helps researchers date inscriptions and identify individuals who participated in public life. The evidence points to the survival of local political institutions through A.D. 250 and beyond, even as conditions across the empire became increasingly unstable.
Roman instability did not affect every region equally
Asia Minor had long been an important part of the Roman world. Its cities maintained political institutions, commercial networks, and connections with imperial authorities. Earlier research into the rise and eventual decline of Roman Anatolia also highlights the region’s extensive economic connections under Roman rule. Blanco-Pérez’s findings suggest that these communities did not experience a uniform collapse during the third century.
The study acknowledges that military attacks and political uncertainty disrupted the production of inscriptions and coins. However, a decline in surviving records does not necessarily mean that civic institutions disappeared. Instead, local communities continued to defend their interests and maintain established forms of public life.
Findings reshape understanding of the Roman Empire’s transformation
The research does not dismiss the third-century crisis. Rather, it shows why political upheaval should not be treated as evidence of decline in every Roman province. Blanco-Pérez argues that the continued commitment of local populations to their cities and institutions helped sustain Roman authority through the crisis. This resilience also contributed to the empire’s recovery and later administrative changes under Diocletian, developments that formed part of the longer transformation of the Roman Empire.
The findings suggest that civic life in Asia Minor remained an important source of stability as the Roman Empire entered a new political era.
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