Ancient Fortifications: A Compendium of Theory and Practice
- ISBN-10
- 1785701428
- ISBN-13
- 9781785701429
- Category
- Social Science
- Pages
- 352
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2016-04-30
- Publisher
- Oxbow Books
- Authors
- Mike Schnelle, Silke Muth, Peter Schneider
Description
Dedicated to the investigation of fortifications as important and integral elements of ancient built space, the present volume results from the activity of the German based international research network Fokus Fortifikation. Ancient Fortifications in the Eastern Mediterranean and is intended as a guide to research on ancient fortifications and a source of inspiration for new research. Ancient city walls and other fortification structures have long been underestimated. Since the early years of the 21st century, research on ancient fortifications has experienced an international boom, particularly amongst young researchers. They approached the study of fortifications with fresh ideas and new aims, and felt the need to discuss the problems and potentials of these monuments and to develop harmonized research methods and objectives. The outcome is the present bilingual (English and German) book, which offers a condensed view of the network’s extended conversations. The goal is not so much to offer an overview on the development of ancient fortifications, but rather to present versatile and diverse approaches to their research and interpretation and to serve as a kickoff for a new understanding of this category of ancient buildings. The book is divided into two parts: the first part includes 12 chapters on methods of interpretation, documentation, and field project organization; the systematic description and presentation of fortifications; the ‘building experience’; masonry forms and techniques; defensive, symbolic, and urbanistic functions and aspects; on fortifications in written sources, the visual arts, and as a historical source; and on regional and rural fortifications, and regionally confined phenomena. Part two is a catalogue that offers exemplary presentations of fortifications studied by network members; it is arranged in four sections: regions, sites, architectural elements and architectural details. The book is Volume 1 in the new series Fokus Fortifikation Studies. Volume 2 in the series, Focus on Fortification: New Research on Fortifications in the Ancient Mediterranean and the Near East (Oxbow Books), the proceedings of an international conference held in Athens in December 2012, will also appear in 2015.
Get the book
Other editions
-
- 2016-02-28
- 352 pages
- Paperback
- Oxbow Books Limited
Similar books
-
Ancient Greek Fortifications 500–300 BC
By Nic FieldsThis book details the construction and ongoing development of the defences that protected some of the most illustrious sites in Greece during the most famous period of her history.
-
The Fortifications of Pompeii and Ancient Italy
By Ivo Van der GraaffThe book is a unique narrative of the social and urban development of the city from foundation to the eruption of Vesuvius, through the lens of the public building most critical to its independence and survival.
-
Understanding Ancient Fortifications: Between Regionality and Connectivity
By Manuel Fernández-Götz, Ariane Ballmer, Dirk P. MielkeImportant new collection of papers looking at the development of fortified sites in Europe from the Neolithic through to the Late Iron Age, examining evidence for common trends, cultural and ideological backgrounds, structural and ...
-
Focus on Fortifications: New Research on Fortifications in the Ancient Mediterranean and the Near East
By Rune Frederiksen, Mike Schnelle, Silke MuthLa svolta protourbana del 1000 a.C. nell'Italia tirrenica, Florence. ... Panei, L. & M. Dell'Orso 2008 'I tufi delle mura Serviane. ... Sáez Abad, R. 2005 Artillería y poliorcética en el mundo grecorromano, Madrid.
-
The Fortifications of Ancient Israel and Judah 1200–586 BC
By Samuel RoccaThis book provides a detailed study of the fortifications of the founders of ancient Israel from the time of their first settlement in the Middle East, through the periods of the united and divided kingdoms, until the sack of Jerusalem in ...
-
Castles: A History of Fortified Structures: Ancient, Medieval & Modern
This architectural review of soaring towers and redoubtable walls provides both a fascinating narrative and an essential visual reference for the general and military historian.
-
The Fortifications of Ancient Egypt 3000–1780 BC
By Carola VogelThe oldest was discovered on Elephantine Island and dates to c.2900 BC. This book investigates over 2,000 years of Egyptian fortification, including both fortified cities and military installations.
-
A Landscape of Conflict? Rural Fortifications in the Argolid (400–146 BC)
By Anna Magdalena BlomleyFunctions and semantics of fortifications: an introduction, in R. Frederiksen, S. Müth, P. Schneider and M. Schnelle (eds) Focus on Fortification: New Research on Fortifications in the Ancient Mediterranean and the Near East: 183–92.
-
Strongholds of the Picts: The fortifications of Dark Age Scotland
By Angus KonstamThis book covers the fortification of the ancient Picts in all their conflicts and discusses the importance of these sites as religious centres and seats of power, while using the latest archeological evidence to help unravel the mystery of ...
-
Greek Fortifications of Asia Minor 500–130 BC: From the Persian Wars to the Roman Conquest
By Konstantin Nossov, Konstantin S NossovIn others, the fortifications were considerably reconstructed. Unable to defend long ancient walls, the Byzantines or Seljuqs erected a smaller citadel inside the old city. Some re-used material can often be seen in the walls (fragments ...