On Wednesday 23 March the Institute will host its fourth lecture of
the 2021-2022 academic year. This will be an in-person event in the
auditorium of the Institute’s new premises (Orminiou 3A, Ilisia).
Starting at 18.30, Edward Middleton (Ph.D. candidate, Department of
Classics, McMaster University) will give a presentation entitled “Urban Infrastructure and Resilience in Hellenistic Thessaly”.
“Over the course of the Classical and Hellenistic periods, Greek
poleis
developed an architectural vocabulary which was used to physically
define the concept of the Polis. This vocabulary was deployed across the
Greek world during the Hellenistic period, when the Successors of
Alexander the Great used it while founding, refounding, and synoecizing
numerous urban centers in attempts to consolidate their empires. By
analysing the known archaeological and epigraphic evidence from
Thessaly, I argue that even in a region considered peripheral and “late”
to develop in antiquity, the architectural vocabulary of the polis was
being used by Hellenistic monarchs and local elites as it was in other
regions of the Hellenistic world.
“Yet, not all of these sites became important centers. Some were quickly
abandoned, their populations dispersing to the countryside and other
cities. While the monarchs attempted to centralize and consolidate
people and power, it seems that this was not always possible as the
diffusion of people led to abandonment and depopulation of those sites
deemed unfavorable. By tracking the development of urban infrastructure
across Thessaly, I hope to understand what made for favorable, resilient
cities, why some flourished and others were abandoned soon after
foundation.”
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, attendance is limited. Places will be reserved on a first-come first-served basis at info@cig-icg.gr. All attendees must present a certificate of vaccination.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new premises for what promises to be a most interesting presentation.
Jonathan Tomlinson
Assistant Director
