Graham, Alexander: Roman Africa: an outline of the history of the Roman occupation of North Africa ; based chiefly upon inscriptions and monumental remains in that country (London [u.a.], 1902)

PREFACE

For many generations the interest attached to the progress of
civilisation in Central and Southern Africa has diverted men's
minds from a somewhat analogous process which was being
evolved nearly 2000 years ago in the Northern regions of this
-eat Continent. History very often repeats itself in an un-
countable way. The methods of civilisation adopted in one
age differ in a marked degree from those of another, varying
with the habits of national life, and governed by the insuperable
natural laws affecting climate or race. But the outcome of
human progress is invariably the same, exhibiting respect for
and obedience to ruling authority, a mute recognition of the
unwritten rules of social life, and greater regard for personal
preservation. The gradual development of North Africa as a
great Roman colony was spread over a period of more than
500 years, and culminated in an era of peace and prosperity to
a vast population enjoying the highest civilisation of the time.
Asia and Africa took rank as the greatest of Rome's colonial
possessions, and it is a question whether the latter did not take
the lead, in the third and fourth centuries, in all matters
affecting the maintenance of the Empire and the general
welfare of its citizens. However successful Roman rule may
have proved in the Asiatic provinces, we have in Africa in-
disputable testimony to the wealth and resources of this fair
appendage of the Empire, to the growth of municipal life, the
spread of education, and the high attainments of many of its
citizens in literature, philosophy, and art.