Reconstructions of three bridges in the 4th century Rome. Historical perspective Cover Image

Reconstructions of three bridges in the 4th century Rome. Historical perspective
Reconstructions of three bridges in the 4th century Rome. Historical perspective

Author(s): Marek Babic
Subject(s): History, Archaeology, Ancient World
Published by: Editura Universităţii »Alexandru Ioan Cuza« din Iaşi
Keywords: pons Valentinianus;pons Gratianus;pons Theodosius;topography;utilitarian architecture;Late Antiquity;

Summary/Abstract: This study aims to present an historical perspective on utilitarian architecture in late antique Rome and focuses in particular on the reconstructions of three bridges in the 4th century Rome, namely the pons Aurelius/Valentinianus, pons Cestius/Gratianus, and pons Probi/Theodosius pons. I examine the narrative and epigraphic sources to assess the social aspects and communicative potential of bridges. The study considers the literary allusions to the three ancient bridges in order to achieve an historical evaluation of the bridges as social objects and as a suitable medium for messages of power in the period of Late antiquity.

  • Issue Year: 20/2014
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 249-269
  • Page Count: 21
  • Language: English