Verulamium

Interpreting Decline

Bibliographic Data

ID11614998
AuthorsNeil Faulkner (corresponding author)
Year1996
Volume153
Issue1
Pages79-103
Publication date1996-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueArchaeological Journal (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0066-5983 • E-ISSN: 2373-2288
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00665983.1996.11078730
OpenAlexW2069779484
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited19

This paper challenges the interpretation of late Roman Verulamium which has stood since Frere's excavations in 1955–61. A quantitative analysis of construction work and occupation phases forms the basis of two new interpretative conclusions. First, in contrast to a view which sees urban vigour continuing to the end of the Roman period, it is suggested that the town experienced a sharp decline in both construction and occupation from the early fourth century onwards. Second, the late town is portrayed as radically different in character from that of the second century—a defended ‘post-classical’ outpost of the decaying empire rather than a garden-city of romanizing local gentry

Aesthetics · Ancient history · Archaeology · Art · Character (mathematics · Empire · Excavation · Gentry · Interpretation (philosophy · Period (music · Roman Empire · Ancient Mediterranean Archaeology and History · Classical Antiquity Studies · Historical and Religious Studies of Rome · History · Philosophy

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