The Defunctionalization and Reuse of Hellenistic Fortifications During the First Imperial Age: the Case of the Province of Asia Minor

Abstract

Since the early years of the fourth century BC most of the cities of Asia Minor could count on massive fortifications. The policy of appeasement and control promoted by Augustus, however, yields them progressively unnecessary and energies focused on the planning of the first defensive works were directed towards new architectural plans. In this climate of peace the existing walls were soon abandoned and fell into disrepair; those cities which grew and developed in imperial time thought it didn’t need any defensive system and so they decided not to build the walls. Nevertheless, the symbolic function first represented by the whole circuit wall was maintained through the construction of magnificent monumental entrances.