Two ancient city blocks under the magnifying glass: a space syntax analysis of Ostia’s urban quarters and their social life
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3989/arq.arqt.2015.125Keywords:
Roman archaeology, Ostia, port-towns, space syntax, urban neighbourhoods, community buildingAbstract
Neighbourhoods and the social use of space are areas of growing interest. By combining archaeological methods and space syntax, the article offers new insights into the physical environment of daily life in the Roman city. The detailed examination of two city blocks from Ostia (Rome’s imperial port-town), allows the authors to identify spaces which fostered social cohesion and community building. The shared courtyards and passage spaces of Block IV ii suggest continued community focus (2nd - 5th centuries AD). In contrast, Block IV iv lacks common spaces and revealed self-contained buildings centred on individual access to public space. Block IV ii enjoyed shared spaces within its own perimeter, while Block IV iv looks toward external community building, with activities centred on the street confining the block. The results show the flexibility of Roman urban structures and allow for suggestive glimpses into the community that sustained the city in the long-term.
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