Near Eastern Cities from Alexander to the Successors of Muhammad

Description

Near Eastern Cities from Alexander to the Successors of Muhammad compares the evolution of several cities in the Near East from the time of Alexander the Great until the beginning of the Islamic 'Abbasid Dynasty. This volume examines both archaeological remains and literary sources to explain the diversity of imperial, cultural, and religious influences on urban life. It offers several case studies chosen from different regions of the Roman Near East, demonstrating that Greco-Roman and Islamic culture spread unevenly through these various cities, and that it is impossible to make broad generalizations. It argues instead that there were different patterns of urbanism that demonstrate a continued vitality of civic life up to the 'Abbasid revolution. Near Eastern Cities from Alexander to the Successors of Muhammad will be of particular interest to students of this period in the Ancient Near East, as well as those studying ancient cities and everyday life. Near Eastern Cities from Alexander to the Successors of Muhammad Contents List of figures Preface and acknowledgements 1 Introduction Introducing urbanism and culture in the Near East Current debates Hellenism and indigenous culture Cities and their role in imperial administration Cities in late antiquity Geography Plan of the book Suggestions for further reading 2 Urban planning and structures in the Near East City planning Colonnaded streets Street monuments: the monumental arch, the tetrapylon, and the nymphaeum Plazas and markets: the agora, forum, and macellum Religious structures: temples, churches, and mosques Entertainment structures: theaters, amphitheaters, hippodromes, and baths Houses and palaces Conclusion Suggestions for further reading 3 The Tetrapolis (Antioch and Apamea) The Hellenistic period Antioch Apamea The Roman period Antioch Apamea Late antiquity Antioch Apamea Conclusion Suggestions for further reading 4 The Decapolis (Gerasa and Scythopolis) The Hellenistic period Gerasa Scythopolis The Roman period Gerasa Scythopolis Late antiquity Gerasa Scythopolis Conclusion Suggestions for further reading 5 Judea and Palestine (Jerusalem and Caesarea) Hellenistic period Jerusalem Caesarea The Roman period Jerusalem Caesarea Late antiquity Jerusalem Caeserea Conclusion Suggestions for further reading 6 The desert fringe (Petra and Palmyra) Hellenistic period Petra Palmyra The Roman period Petra Palmyra Late antiquity Petra Palmyra Conclusion Suggestions for further reading 7 Conclusion Note Glossary Index