Romanization was not rapid in the first century of Africa’s provincial status, with much of the former Punic civilization still flourishing and Rome not taking much interest in its new acquisition. Near the end of the first century after Christ, it was still allowable to erect a temple to the Punic goddess. A Punic sanctuary at Hadrumetum remained in use until the early second century, and the Punic language was still spoken in Numidia until early in the fifth century.
Romanization shows its first major evidence in an inscription from AD 88, which shows the membership of a training hall. None listed were yet Roman citizens, but their names are listed personal name, which is in Latin, and father’s name, in Punic or Numidian. The inscriptions therefore show already a strong Roman foothold in African culture. Romanization was rapid thereafter, with Punic names dying out among leading citizens by the end of the first century after Christ.
Trajan expanded the availability of Roman citizenship for all in Africa, and the chance for Africans to take office in Rome. By this time Roman veterans had been given land grants in Africa, native troops had experienced Roman culture by being stationed in foreign lands, and Africa’s status as a trade capital kept it abreast of all things Roman. Africa became highly Romanized.
Most cities of Africa, even those surrounding Carthage and Leptis Magna, which were perhaps only a dozen miles apart, all exhibit baths, theaters, arches, extravagant tombs and buildings of luxury in their ruins. All had the requirements Romans needed to live comfortably.