A large district in the centre of Asia Minor, having Bithynia on its north, Pontus on its east, Lycaonia and Cappadocia on its south, and Phrygia on its west. The inhabitants, being emigrants from Gaul, were called the Galli or Gauls of the East. They settled themselves in Asia Minor, and being restless and warlike they became a scourge to their neighbours. When restrained, they hired themselves out as mercenary soldiers. They were brought under the power of Rome, and eventually Galatia became a Roman province.
Paul travelled through Galatia twice and churches (in the plural) were formed there. To these his Epistle was addressed. Galatians 1:2 . It is not known at what towns these churches were gathered. Though the inhabitants were principally Gentiles, we learn from 1 Peter 1:1 that there were Jews there also. Acts 16:6; Acts 18:23; 1 Corinthians 16:1; 2 Timothy 4:10 . The inhabitants were addressed as GALATIANS. Galatians 3:1 .