Archaeology and Urban Settlement in Late Roman and Byzantine Anatolia: Euchaita-Avkat-Beyoezu and its Environment

The site of medieval Euchaïta, on the northern edge of the central Anatolian plateau, was the center of the cult of St Theodore Tiro (the Recruit). It was never a major metropolis, cultural center, or extensive urban site, but its significance lies in its representation of the average provincial Anatolian urban settlement. This volume represents the results of a collaborative project that integrates archaeological survey work with other disciplines to enhance understanding of Byzantine provincial society and illustrate the application of innovative approaches to field survey.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 407 pages
\n Publication date: 15 July 2021
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
\n

The site of medieval Euchaïta, situated on the northern edge of the central Anatolian plateau, held great importance as the center of the cult of St Theodore Tiro (also known as the Recruit). Unlike most excavated or surveyed urban centers of the Byzantine period, Euchaïta never attained the status of a major metropolis, cultural hub, or extensive urban site. However, it did serve a military function from the seventh to ninth centuries. What sets Euchaïta apart is its unique position as a small provincial town, somewhat isolated and overlooked. Despite its relative obscurity, its significance lies in the fact that it likely represents a more typical provincial Anatolian urban settlement than is commonly known. Unfortunately, very little is documented about such sites.

This volume is the culmination of a collaborative project that brings together archaeological survey work with various other disciplines in a holistic approach to the region. The primary objective is to enhance our understanding of the history of Byzantine provincial society and demonstrate the application of innovative field survey techniques.

The project involved extensive field surveys, archaeological excavations, and the analysis of historical and cultural sources. The team of researchers worked closely together to explore and interpret the evidence, drawing on their expertise in various fields such as archaeology, history, art history, and cultural anthropology.

Through their combined efforts, the project has shed light on the social, economic, and cultural dynamics of Byzantine provincial society. It has revealed the existence of a diverse range of urban settlements, including small towns, villages, and monasteries, that played crucial roles in the religious, political, and economic life of the region.

The volume also showcases the application of innovative approaches to field survey, such as the use of remote sensing technologies, aerial photography, and digital mapping. These tools have allowed the researchers to gather detailed data and information about the archaeological sites, which would have been challenging or impossible to obtain using traditional methods.

Overall, this volume represents a significant contribution to our understanding of Byzantine provincial society and the methods used to study it. It provides valuable insights into the lives of ordinary people and sheds light on the complex and multifaceted nature of medieval urban life in the region.

\n Weight: 706g\n
Dimension: 171 x 243 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781108457224\n \n