The Porta Stabia Neighborhood at Pompeii Volume I: Structure, Stratigraphy, and Space

This volume presents the results of archaeological excavations of the Porta Stabia neighborhood at Pompeii. It investigates two town blocks on the via Stabiana, comprising modest houses, shops, workshops, and food and drink outlets, describing and documenting the phased, structural development of this neighborhood from the 6th century BCE.

Format: Hardback
Length: 784 pages
Publication date: 03 August 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The University of Cincinnati's archaeological excavations of the Porta Stabia neighborhood at Pompeii have yielded remarkable insights into the city's ancient past. Spanning four volumes, this comprehensive project has unearthed a wealth of information about the town blocks on either side of the via Stabiana, which housed a diverse range of structures, including modest houses, shops, workshops, food and drink outlets, and hospitality buildings.

The first volume in this series delves into the phased, structural development of the Porta Stabia neighborhood over several centuries. The earliest discernible activity in the area dates back to the 6th century BCE, with the insulae taking on their definitive shape only in the 2nd century BCE. This period marked the emergence of production activities as the primary focus of the neighborhood, which continued to thrive until the early 1st century CE when retail-oriented street-fronts began to dominate.

A central theme of this excavation project is the social and structural formation of the Porta Stabia neighborhood. Researchers have sought to understand the processes that shaped the physical layout of the site, as well as the broader historical and urban context in which it existed. By examining the architectural features, artifacts, and human remains discovered during the excavations, scholars have been able to piece together a detailed picture of the community's daily life, social hierarchies, and economic activities.

Furthermore, the project has placed a strong emphasis on the micro- and macro-contextualization of the site. Researchers have worked to understand the site's position within the larger urban fabric of Pompeii, as well as its relationship to other archaeological sites and historical periods. This approach has allowed them to place the results of the excavations within a broader historical and cultural framework, providing a deeper understanding of the city's development and significance.

Overall, the University of Cincinnati's archaeological excavations of the Porta Stabia neighborhood at Pompeii have been a groundbreaking endeavor that has shed light on the city's rich history and cultural heritage. Through meticulous research, detailed analysis, and innovative approaches, scholars have been able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the neighborhood's development and the people who lived in it. These excavations are a valuable resource for future generations of researchers and enthusiasts, and they continue to contribute to our knowledge of the ancient world.

Dimension: 276 x 219 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192866943