Britta Burkhardt | Babes-Bolyai University (original) (raw)
Papers by Britta Burkhardt
JOURNAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY, 2020
Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouse... more Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouses from Roman Dacia. Moreover, our aim is to also provide a broader regional survey. It comprises a short discussion of the history of research, emphasizing the importance of the essential contributions to the study of military baths in Dacia, as well as the importance of the regional studies and of the monographs of different archaeological sites. Therefore, we decided, to review and update our knowledge of the military bathhouses uncovered in the Dacian provinces. According to the current state of research, there are 39 balnea recorded, including baths located within the forts (praetorium), as well as extra muros, in the civilian settlements. Upon reviewing the evidence, the paper stresses the variety of the military balnea discovered and points out the differences between legionary and auxiliary baths, shedding light on some of the local features of these baths.
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, 2020
Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouse... more Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouses from Roman Dacia. Moreover, our aim is to also provide a broader regional survey. It comprises a short discussion of the history of research, emphasizing the importance of the essential contributions to the study of military baths in Dacia, as well as the importance of the regional studies and of the monographs of different archaeological sites. Therefore, we decided, to review and update our knowledge of the military bathhouses uncovered in the Dacian provinces. According to the current state of research, there are 39 balnea recorded, including baths located within the forts (praetorium), as well as extra muros, in the civilian settlements. Upon reviewing the evidence, the paper stresses the variety of the military balnea discovered and points out the differences between legionary and auxiliary baths, shedding light on some of the local features of these baths.
Hungarian Historical Institute Yearbook I. Cluj Napoca, 2016
This paper presents 5 architectural structures which housed various social activities, a selecti... more This paper presents 5 architectural structures which housed various social activities, a selection of Roman military baths from the province of Dacia. As such, further study concerning the development, evolution and particularities of military baths bear great value in understanding Roman society. The paper addresses issues of architectural analysis concerning the legionary bathhouse of Potaissa, and the small baths beloging to the auxiliary forts of Bologa, Romita/Brusturi, Buciumi and Ilișua.
The management of archaeological sites is a field of increasing interest, as evidenced by a growi... more The management of archaeological sites is a field of increasing interest, as evidenced by a growing number of professional conferences, publications and international projects focused on heritage management and site presentation. The past is a cultural construct experienced specifically at certain places or occasions, as said by Cornelius Halter. This paper discusses aspects related to how tourists, local and regional communities perceive ruins, in light of the project of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to include the Roman Limes on the UNESCO list of protected heritage sites and the endeavours of the 'National LIMES' Committee and the 'Danube Limes UNESCO World Heritage programme'. These concepts are essential in devising adequate methods for managing the heritage significance of ruins, setting proper policies and serving 'the understanding of the monument' by all collective groups involved, as a bedrock for (self-)sustainable ruin tourism.
The paper, withstanding current research trends, choses to return to the question of the arhitec... more The paper, withstanding current research trends, choses to return to the question of the arhitectural habit in the study of bathing in the Roman Empire. The stressed discussion of archi‑ tectural features and components is tangible in the writings of earlier scholars and still persists in current histo‑ riography. Concerning the British and German research the regional aspects of Roman architecture have been dealt with, considering merely the different approaches in estabilishing a typology of bathhouses. In middle and eastern European countries it is safe to say that the question of bathhouse‑arhitecture remains a subject insufi‑ ciently researched. With the intent of initiating further discussion under the hallmark of provinicial bathhouse‑ arhitecture the paper summarizes withstanding issues like the regional factor, fortress baths, usable resources, terminology and identifying room functionality and the typology of partially unearthend structures.
The paper addresses several problems of heritage presentation by examining more closely the legio... more The paper addresses several problems of heritage presentation by examining more closely the legionary fortress baths of Potaissa/Turda, originally an exceptional
example of ruin preservation and restoration in Romania, thus reviewing the common standards of Romanian ruin
preservation, the current state and heritage value of the monument and alternate approaches drawn from current
international theory and common practice.
Keywords: heritage preservation, heritage value, presentation, military baths, Potaissa
![Research paper thumbnail of The mise en valeur concept in the case of Roman period ruins. An invisible heritage In: Transsylvania Nostra Journal 54, 2016/4 [International Scientific Conference on Theoretical and Practical Issues of Built Heritage Conservation, oct. 26-29, 2016. ]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/50801712/thumbnails/1.jpg)
](The mise-en-valeur concept reffers best to what we should be doing with our ruins following the t... more The mise-en-valeur concept reffers best to what we should be doing with our ruins following the thoughts of C.Brandi, J.M. Jokilehto, M.Petzet, F.Matero, R.Nardi and the Venetian Charter. The paper addresses the problem of reconstructions trough pivotal features of ruins: the inherent historical value, the heritage significance, the issue of original fabric and the concept of creating heritage. Various issues arise from the incompatible aspect existing between didactical presentation aiming the enlightenment of public and the fundamental principles of ruin preservation and a value-based management system.
TEREK, INTÉZMÉNYEK, ÁTMENETEK
The current study discusses the potentials and difficulties of the non-invasive analysis of rom... more The current study discusses the potentials and difficulties of the non-invasive analysis of roman bathhouses on the former eastern limes of Dacia, today eastern part of Transylvania. In accordance with the premise of the study, we state that the use of non-invasive research methods, as of late gaining much popularity is of great beneficial use and should be applied more often in modern research. However after reviewing the method, in this particular situation it seems the result varies depending on the type and enviromental factors of the archaeological site.
An article on some current trends in achaeological heritage protection published with the courtes... more An article on some current trends in achaeological heritage protection published with the courtesy of oroksegfigyelo.blog
The present study brings into discussion the problems of interpretation concerning the feline mot... more The present study brings into discussion the problems of interpretation concerning the feline motif in Scythian art, in particular past considerations, the compositional aspects, the motif-object relation and the probability of different symbolical values. Considering the terminology associated with the motif, as such the usage of the terms panther, leopard, tiger and lion or simply feline-like animal is found inconclusive and unfit. After a closer look, three designations are considered suitable, namely the cautious expression of feline like animal, the controlled term panthera animal and as a new approach, the recommended designation panthera leo or lion – hence the title of the study. Furthermore, after introducing the considerations of the scholars in this subject, the study turns to the iconographical and iconological considerations of the motif, mainly evolving around two probable symbolical values, namely fatalist and apotropaic. After naming different cultural and artistic aspects of great interest to our problem, such as the solus representations in a curled up, crouching position or the twin representations, the parallels with the mythical figure of the Ouroboros, or the guardian lion pairs situated in gateways, the composition of animal fight scenes, the parallel with the struggle of Lucifer and Vesper, the compositional and iconological aspects of mirrors and swords, the relation of the motif with other motifs the conclusions are seemingly ambivalent. It is my firm belief that, considering the numerous aspects and diff erent probabilities, the lion motif displays two symbolical values. It is probable that the fatalist connotation of the motif originates from the eastern Scythian regions, and is in relation with eastern mythology. Furthermore this symbolism may correlate with an earlier stage of Scythian culture, as derived from the territorial distribution of the motif type. The depictions presenting apotropaic symbolical value are prevalent from the view of composition and bearing objects, thus it may correlate with the middle and late stage of Scythian art, the latter displaying the triumph of the apotropaic symbolical value.
Books by Britta Burkhardt
The Baths on the Frontiers of Roman Dacia / Băile de pe frontierele Daciei romane, 2017
This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant data regarding the archaeological research of smal... more This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant data regarding the archaeological research of small Roman bathhouses (balnea) situated along the military frontiers of the Roman province of Dacia. Although, the emphasis was put on the bathhouses that functioned next to the auxiliary forts, for a better understanding of the construction and operation of these buildings, we also have found it useful to present an introduction into the subject of Roman baths discovered in other parts of the Dacian province.
JOURNAL OF ANCIENT HISTORY AND ARCHAEOLOGY, 2020
Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouse... more Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouses from Roman Dacia. Moreover, our aim is to also provide a broader regional survey. It comprises a short discussion of the history of research, emphasizing the importance of the essential contributions to the study of military baths in Dacia, as well as the importance of the regional studies and of the monographs of different archaeological sites. Therefore, we decided, to review and update our knowledge of the military bathhouses uncovered in the Dacian provinces. According to the current state of research, there are 39 balnea recorded, including baths located within the forts (praetorium), as well as extra muros, in the civilian settlements. Upon reviewing the evidence, the paper stresses the variety of the military balnea discovered and points out the differences between legionary and auxiliary baths, shedding light on some of the local features of these baths.
Journal of Ancient History and Archaeology, 2020
Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouse... more Within this paper we publish a critical review of the state of research on the military bathhouses from Roman Dacia. Moreover, our aim is to also provide a broader regional survey. It comprises a short discussion of the history of research, emphasizing the importance of the essential contributions to the study of military baths in Dacia, as well as the importance of the regional studies and of the monographs of different archaeological sites. Therefore, we decided, to review and update our knowledge of the military bathhouses uncovered in the Dacian provinces. According to the current state of research, there are 39 balnea recorded, including baths located within the forts (praetorium), as well as extra muros, in the civilian settlements. Upon reviewing the evidence, the paper stresses the variety of the military balnea discovered and points out the differences between legionary and auxiliary baths, shedding light on some of the local features of these baths.
Hungarian Historical Institute Yearbook I. Cluj Napoca, 2016
This paper presents 5 architectural structures which housed various social activities, a selecti... more This paper presents 5 architectural structures which housed various social activities, a selection of Roman military baths from the province of Dacia. As such, further study concerning the development, evolution and particularities of military baths bear great value in understanding Roman society. The paper addresses issues of architectural analysis concerning the legionary bathhouse of Potaissa, and the small baths beloging to the auxiliary forts of Bologa, Romita/Brusturi, Buciumi and Ilișua.
The management of archaeological sites is a field of increasing interest, as evidenced by a growi... more The management of archaeological sites is a field of increasing interest, as evidenced by a growing number of professional conferences, publications and international projects focused on heritage management and site presentation. The past is a cultural construct experienced specifically at certain places or occasions, as said by Cornelius Halter. This paper discusses aspects related to how tourists, local and regional communities perceive ruins, in light of the project of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee to include the Roman Limes on the UNESCO list of protected heritage sites and the endeavours of the 'National LIMES' Committee and the 'Danube Limes UNESCO World Heritage programme'. These concepts are essential in devising adequate methods for managing the heritage significance of ruins, setting proper policies and serving 'the understanding of the monument' by all collective groups involved, as a bedrock for (self-)sustainable ruin tourism.
The paper, withstanding current research trends, choses to return to the question of the arhitec... more The paper, withstanding current research trends, choses to return to the question of the arhitectural habit in the study of bathing in the Roman Empire. The stressed discussion of archi‑ tectural features and components is tangible in the writings of earlier scholars and still persists in current histo‑ riography. Concerning the British and German research the regional aspects of Roman architecture have been dealt with, considering merely the different approaches in estabilishing a typology of bathhouses. In middle and eastern European countries it is safe to say that the question of bathhouse‑arhitecture remains a subject insufi‑ ciently researched. With the intent of initiating further discussion under the hallmark of provinicial bathhouse‑ arhitecture the paper summarizes withstanding issues like the regional factor, fortress baths, usable resources, terminology and identifying room functionality and the typology of partially unearthend structures.
The paper addresses several problems of heritage presentation by examining more closely the legio... more The paper addresses several problems of heritage presentation by examining more closely the legionary fortress baths of Potaissa/Turda, originally an exceptional
example of ruin preservation and restoration in Romania, thus reviewing the common standards of Romanian ruin
preservation, the current state and heritage value of the monument and alternate approaches drawn from current
international theory and common practice.
Keywords: heritage preservation, heritage value, presentation, military baths, Potaissa
The mise-en-valeur concept reffers best to what we should be doing with our ruins following the t... more The mise-en-valeur concept reffers best to what we should be doing with our ruins following the thoughts of C.Brandi, J.M. Jokilehto, M.Petzet, F.Matero, R.Nardi and the Venetian Charter. The paper addresses the problem of reconstructions trough pivotal features of ruins: the inherent historical value, the heritage significance, the issue of original fabric and the concept of creating heritage. Various issues arise from the incompatible aspect existing between didactical presentation aiming the enlightenment of public and the fundamental principles of ruin preservation and a value-based management system.
TEREK, INTÉZMÉNYEK, ÁTMENETEK
The current study discusses the potentials and difficulties of the non-invasive analysis of rom... more The current study discusses the potentials and difficulties of the non-invasive analysis of roman bathhouses on the former eastern limes of Dacia, today eastern part of Transylvania. In accordance with the premise of the study, we state that the use of non-invasive research methods, as of late gaining much popularity is of great beneficial use and should be applied more often in modern research. However after reviewing the method, in this particular situation it seems the result varies depending on the type and enviromental factors of the archaeological site.
An article on some current trends in achaeological heritage protection published with the courtes... more An article on some current trends in achaeological heritage protection published with the courtesy of oroksegfigyelo.blog
The present study brings into discussion the problems of interpretation concerning the feline mot... more The present study brings into discussion the problems of interpretation concerning the feline motif in Scythian art, in particular past considerations, the compositional aspects, the motif-object relation and the probability of different symbolical values. Considering the terminology associated with the motif, as such the usage of the terms panther, leopard, tiger and lion or simply feline-like animal is found inconclusive and unfit. After a closer look, three designations are considered suitable, namely the cautious expression of feline like animal, the controlled term panthera animal and as a new approach, the recommended designation panthera leo or lion – hence the title of the study. Furthermore, after introducing the considerations of the scholars in this subject, the study turns to the iconographical and iconological considerations of the motif, mainly evolving around two probable symbolical values, namely fatalist and apotropaic. After naming different cultural and artistic aspects of great interest to our problem, such as the solus representations in a curled up, crouching position or the twin representations, the parallels with the mythical figure of the Ouroboros, or the guardian lion pairs situated in gateways, the composition of animal fight scenes, the parallel with the struggle of Lucifer and Vesper, the compositional and iconological aspects of mirrors and swords, the relation of the motif with other motifs the conclusions are seemingly ambivalent. It is my firm belief that, considering the numerous aspects and diff erent probabilities, the lion motif displays two symbolical values. It is probable that the fatalist connotation of the motif originates from the eastern Scythian regions, and is in relation with eastern mythology. Furthermore this symbolism may correlate with an earlier stage of Scythian culture, as derived from the territorial distribution of the motif type. The depictions presenting apotropaic symbolical value are prevalent from the view of composition and bearing objects, thus it may correlate with the middle and late stage of Scythian art, the latter displaying the triumph of the apotropaic symbolical value.
The Baths on the Frontiers of Roman Dacia / Băile de pe frontierele Daciei romane, 2017
This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant data regarding the archaeological research of smal... more This paper is a synthesis of the most relevant data regarding the archaeological research of small Roman bathhouses (balnea) situated along the military frontiers of the Roman province of Dacia. Although, the emphasis was put on the bathhouses that functioned next to the auxiliary forts, for a better understanding of the construction and operation of these buildings, we also have found it useful to present an introduction into the subject of Roman baths discovered in other parts of the Dacian province.