The Wealth of the Late Roman Cities in the Near East
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• Cities in east preserved prosperity throughout 6^th, 7^th centuries – despite war, plague, drought, flood, disease, locusts.
• Major building work in Jordan and Palestine 0 new churches, restorations etc – arguments that this was due to pilgrim traffic and pious settlers 0 no evidence a Ephesus and most sites outside Holy Land.  Anemourion in Cicilia hit by earthquake in 580 – rebuilt and by later 620s community regained much of its prosperity. Pella wealthy right through 8^th and 9^th century
• Decapolis cities Gadara, Capitalium- no sign decline 6^th century no archaeological sign of Islamic conquest either.
• Date stamps reveal large amounts of silver objects in second half of 6^th century and early 7^th century.  540 Apamea – all silver taking, but by 573 when Persians came back replenished to provide another huge booty. Edessa also rich this way.  Wealth of a society that could pay and pay again.
• Decline public buildings, does not reflect decline civic pride, but chage cultural attitude.  Christian Romans want to build orphanages, monasteries, old people’s homes and above all churches.  These buildings that reflect urban wealth.
• Public space city life, forum, street plans gradually change into souks, narrow alleys, changing  by 6^th century. – visual culture of ancient Hellenisitc city changing – polis – for something different.  Classicists prefer this – exacts a value judgement on city planning.  Prefer enclosed performances in cathedral or mosque.
• Ruined monuments no guide to prosperity 0 city-dwellers take this for granted.
• Plenty of copper coinage around in 6^th and 7^th century – thus coinage shows prosperity of the economy.

Other Notes in this Category

1. A Continuous History
2. Education
3. Ruling the late Roman and Byzantine City
4. Society and Economy
5. The Disappearance and revival of cities
6. The Rise and Fall of the Curiales
7. The Wealth of the Late Roman Cities in the Near East

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