Change or no change? Revised perceptions of urban transformation in late Antiquity (original) (raw)

Abstract

Change or No Change? Revised perceptions of urban transformation in late Antiquity by Anna Leone Introduction Defining a town is still problematic. Different approaches have been used to identify the essential characteristics of a town, but these are not always entirely convincing. It is possible, in analysing different disciplines and theoretical schools to identify two main ways to approach studies of the town. The first (and the most used in archaeological work) is directed at the analysis of the monuments, topography and materials of different towns (i.e. physical structures). This approach is spelled out by Carver in his Arguments in Stone 'a town is a centre of population ... .Towns contain monuments, ... are places where objects are exchanged, ... provide amenities, ... [and] ... are hosts to industry'. (Carver 1993:2-3) On the other hand, for others, the emphasis is on the society that lives in the town, that is, on social structures and processes. This second approach is subsumed in the principal points enumerated by Basham, following Childe in The Urban Revolution: Early cities were more extensive and densely populated than previous settlements,oo.inhabited by full time specialist craftsmen, transport workmen, merchants, officials and priests, ... supported by tithes or taxes of primary producers, ... possessed of a ruling class of priests and civil officials .... Centers where a leisured literate was able to develop and elaborate systems, ... artisans gave new dimension to artistic and craft expression. Basham (1978:50) Looking at all these aspects, we can propose that, ideally, to understand a town and its evolution one should consider both of the above aspects, that is, the social and the monumentaU topographical data. In the words of Roncajolo (1988:3), the right way is to analyse 'the society

Key takeaways

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  1. Late antique urbanism reflects a complex interplay of continuity and transformation in societal structures.
  2. Carthage's fifth-century evidence illustrates a shift from monumental public buildings to mixed-use spaces.
  3. Historical perspectives often overstate urban decay, overshadowing instances of adaptation and reuse.
  4. The study emphasizes the need for a dual focus on social dynamics and physical urban characteristics.
  5. Archaeological interpretations must evolve to recognize the diverse experiences of late antique urban life.

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