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 Haemus, and on the W. by the Drinu (Drin) and the Savus (Sore). 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 Axioropolis. In the interior were the towns of Marcianopolis, Sardica, and Naissus (Niš). About the time of Trajan's reign, Moesia was divided into two provinces—Moesia Superior on the E., and Moesia Inferior on the W., of the River Ciabrus (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 Maso-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 Moesia.