The Roman Empire split the province of Pannonia in 103 AD to create two distinct territories. This division established Pannonia Superior with its capital at Carnuntum. The new province covered land that now belongs to Hungary, Croatia, Austria, Slovakia, and Slovenia. A 17th-century map by Nicolas Sanson shows the borders of this ancient region. These modern nations sit within the territory once held by Roman soldiers and administrators. The geography included fertile plains along the Danube River and rugged hills to the south.
Imperial Power Struggles
Septimius Severus served as governor of the province before launching his bid for power. He made his move from this position in April 193 CE. His control over the military forces stationed here helped him claim the imperial throne. Later emperors used the strategic location of Carnuntum during times of crisis. Diocletian chose this city as a base to manage conflicts between co-emperors. The province became a critical staging ground for those seeking supreme authority in Rome. Soldiers gathered there while political storms raged across the empire.Tetrarchy Conference Of 308
Emperor Diocletian chaired a historic meeting in Carnuntum on the 11th of November 308. He sat alongside co-emperors Maximian and Galerius to resolve rising tensions. The group aimed to stabilize the Tetrarchy system that governed the empire. Galerius appointed Licinius as Augustus to replace Valerius Severus who had died. Maxentius was responsible for the death of Valerius Severus. People begged Diocletian to return to the throne to fix these conflicts. He refused their pleas with a famous quote about planting cabbages. He said he would not trade peace for greed if they showed him the cabbage he planted. Aurelius Victor recorded this exchange in his Epitome de Caesaribus.Urban Centers And Infrastructure
Vindobona served as a major city within Upper Pannonia before becoming modern Vienna. Siscia stood today as Sisak in Croatia and functioned as an administrative hub. Iovia Botivo is now known as Ludbreg in Croatia. Aquae Balissae exists today as Daruvar in Croatia. Andautonia has become Ščitarjevo in Croatia. Savaria remains Szombathely in Hungary while Scarbantia is Sopron. Arrabona is Győr in Hungary and Poetovio is Ptuj in Slovenia. These cities formed the economic backbone of the province through trade and administration. Roman roads connected them to allow movement of troops and goods across the region.