Definition:
The Roman Empire was divided into four administrative units (praefectures or prefectures) based on the tetrarchical (4-part) division of the Empire, set in motion by Diocletian:
The heads of the praefectures were known as prefects. The Praetorian Prefects of Constantinople and Italy were the highest ranking officials in the Empire next to the emperors.
- - Gaul (Britain, Gaul, Spain and the northwest corner of Africa)
- - Italy (Africa, Italy, the area between the Alps and Danube and the northwestern portion of the Illyrian peninsula)
- - Illyricum (Dacia, Macedonia and Greece)
- - The East (from Thrace in the north, Egypt in the south, and Asia).
The heads of the praefectures were known as prefects. The Praetorian Prefects of Constantinople and Italy were the highest ranking officials in the Empire next to the emperors.
Alternate Spellings: Prefectures, Præfectures
