Abstract
Karen Aberle
Department of Classical, Near Eastern and Religious Studies
University of British Columbia
Morgantina 2-11: Households, population, and the impact of Roman imperialism
The literary record (Livy and Strabo) characterises Morgantina as reduced to supplication in 211, and abandoned by the 1st century BCE. The archaeological record demonstrates prosperity in the mid-3rd century, and the construction of a macellum c. 121 suggests the continuation of a strong population post 211. Evidence also exists for large peristyle houses in the 3rd century, and for more modest dwellings and makeshift apartments during the 2nd century. This paper will examine Morgantina's households during these two periods in order to provide an example of how the archaeological data can help supplement the literary record. The approach employed for this study will involve reconstructing population estimates for Morgantina from the 3rd to 1st centuries BC, and using this information to put forward theories about the impact of 211 on the city's domestic population.
Return to CACW 2006 "Household and Society in the Ancient World" Program