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The Roman empire in the time of Hadrian (ruled 117-38 AD), showing, in western Asia, the imperial province of Bithynia et Pontus (northwestern Turkey)

Province of Bithynia et Pontus highlighted

Bithynia et Pontus was the name of a province of the Roman empire on the Black Sea coast of Anatolia (Turkey). It was formed by the amalgamation of the former kingdoms of Bithynia (annexed by Rome 74 BC) and Pontus (annexed 64 BC).

The Roman writer Pliny the Younger was governor of the province in 110-3 AD. His Epistulae ("Letters") to emperor Trajan (ruled 98-117) are a major source on Roman provincial administration.

Under the administrative reforms of emperor Diocletian, Bithynia et Pontus was divided into 3 smaller provinces, Bithynia, Honorias and Paphlagonia. These belonged to the diocese of Pontica, in turn part of the Prefecture of the East.