Late antique transformations and the end of the ancient city

The Late Antique period (fourth to seventh centuries CE) marked profound transformations in the Roman Empire, reshaping urban defense, elite residences, and imperial patronage. Key discoveries include the evolution of urban design, as seen in Rome's Aurelian Walls and the Palace of Diocletian at Split, alongside the emergence of Constantinople as a new world capital blending Greco-Roman heritage with Christian influences. The study examines these changes through architectural projects, such as basilicas and baths in Rome and Jerusalem, revealing shifts in hierarchical concepts and stylistic trends. By analyzing sites like Athens, Ephesus, Jerash, London, Rome, and Constantinople, the research highlights the complex fate of ancient cities during this transitional era.

Gates, C., & Goldman, A. (2024). Late antique transformations and the end of the ancient city. Ancient Cities, 513–536. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429278815-31