What powers did Roman provincial governors have during the republic?

During the Roman Republic, provincial governors—typically consuls or praetors—held nearly unfettered executive power, known as imperium, within their assigned territories. Upon taking office, a governor issued an edict to supplement the lex provinciae, the charter defining the province's organization and duties.12

Their primary responsibilities included:

• Security and Order: Governors commanded armies to defend against external threats and suppress internal unrest, such as banditry.2
• Judicial Authority: When not engaged in military duties, they spent their time hearing legal cases and arbitrating disputes.2
• Revenue Oversight: While private companies known as publicani were contracted to collect taxes, the governor was responsible for ensuring these collections remained within the bounds of the provincial law.2

Governors were assisted by a quaestor who managed finances, as well as deputies and advisors known as legati. Because their power was vast and often lacked oversight, many governors engaged in extortion and corruption to enrich themselves at the expense of the provincials.12