Hispano-Roman

The term "Hispano-Roman" refers to the people who inhabited the Roman province of Hispania, which encompassed the Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). When the Romans conquered the region from the Carthaginians in 206 BCE, they divided it into provinces. Over time, these administrative divisions evolved, with further subdivisions occurring under Emperor Augustus.1

The Romanization of Spain was a gradual process. While not a deliberate policy initially, Roman influence grew through veteran settlements, migration from Italy, and the establishment of Roman-style foundations. Native communities began adopting Roman patterns, building public structures and gaining privileges under Roman law. By the 1st century CE, individuals of Spanish origin, such as Seneca and Martial, were prominent in Roman society, and emperors like Trajan and Hadrian hailed from Hispania. Christianity also became established in Spain during the 2nd century CE.23