Administering Assimilation: Examining Native and Roman Concepts of Space in Five Case Studies.
Wolkan, Hilary.
2011
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Abstract: This paper examines the presence or absence of native conceptions of
space in Roman urban centers in the provinces. Utilizing case studies from five different
cities, Emporiae, Tarraco, Glanum, Augustodunum, and Thugga, collectively chosen for their
high degree of preservation and because they represent varying provinces such as Gallia
Narbonensis, Gallia Lugdunensis, Hispania ... read moreTarraconensis, and Africa Proconsularis, this
study explores an underlying pattern in the Romanization and urbanization of the provinces.
The analysis focuses on the incorporation or exclusion of indigenous architecture or
settlement development within Roman cities and what this interaction indicates about
potential underlying reasons for Roman urban planning in the provinces. This work engages
archaeological and textual evidence, as well as applies theories of Romanization and
urbanization to the cities used as case studies, in order to more fully explicate the
process of Roman expansion and the relationship of the Romans with the natives. Cities,
once incorporated into the Roman empire, only retain pre-Roman concepts of space if the
structures can be reutilized for functions more commonly associated with Roman culture and
government. The administrative structures of the cities in the case studies were among the
first features to be added to provincial cities, indicating that Roman urbanization was
significantly driven by the need for certain structures required for efficient
administration of a provincial city. Secondary structures, meant for entertainment and
religious purposes, were constructed as well based on the desires of the inhabitants.
Whether related to government or leisure, the elite members of the local communities
commissioned the Roman structures, demonstrating that the process of Roman urbanism in the
case studies was not center-driven.
Thesis (M.A.)--Tufts University, 2011.
Submitted to the Dept. of Classics.
Advisor: J. Harrington.
Committee: R. Hitchner, and David Proctor.
Keyword: Archaeology.read less - ID:
- 5q47s111p
- Component ID:
- tufts:21051
- To Cite:
- TARC Citation Guide EndNote
