MESIA, a Roman province in Europe, was bounded on the N. by the Danubius (Danube), on the E. by the Euxine, on the S. by Mount Hæmus, and on the W. by the Drinus (Drin) and the Savus (Sare). According to Strabo, it was originally peopled by emigrants from Thrace. It was first invaded by the Romans in 75 B.C.; but not until the reign of Augustus was it finally subdued, and reduced to the form of a Roman province. A line of fortresses was then planted for its defence along the southern bank of the Danube. The principal of these were afterwards known as Singidunum (Belgrade), Viminacium, and Axiopolis. In the interior were the towns of Marcianopolis, Sardica, and Naissus (Nissa). About the time of Trajan's reign, Mæsia was divided into two provinces—Mæsia Superior on the E., and Mæsia Inferior on the W., of the River Cæbrus (Zebra). In the reign of Decius the Goths secured a footing in the province, and were only induced to retire by a bribe from the succeeding emperor, Trebonianus Gallus. Numbers of them, however, afterwards returned, and settled down permanently. Their descendants were the Mæso-Goths, for whom Ulphilas translated the Scriptures about the middle of the fourth century. In the seventh century invading hordes of Bulgarians and Slavonians founded the kingdoms of Bulgaria and Servia, which now comprise the territory of the ancient Mæsia.