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This thesis aims to describe the development and transformation of urban and rural settlements in Syropalestine in the territory of the so-called Decapolis during the Roman Imperial period. First chapter is dedicated to the history of the above mentioned region and begins with the formation of the Roman province of Syria in 63 BCE and then continues until the ascend of emperor Dioclecianus in 284 AD. Topography, political structure, religion and some other aspects which formed this region are briefly mentioned. The second part tackles selected urban settlements. It is focused on urban planning, city walls and public buildings, which were erected here in the given time period. The third chapter describes rural settlements and their overall development from first until third century AD. The following charter contains a synthesis of urban and, consequently, rural settlement made on the basis of ascertained findings. These two outcomes are compared using as a framework for characterizing specific changes which these settlements underwent in the defined period of time. Last chapter tackles the question as to whether these transformations in this region at the time of the Roman Empire can be described as a result of Hellenization or Romanization; both of those are used as a framework within which the...