No CrossRef data available.
Article contents
A new bath complex in Late Roman Dyrrachium (Albania)
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 July 2021
Abstract
This note considers a Late Roman bath building recently discovered in Durrës, Albania (ancient Dyrrachium), near the presumed Roman city center. This discovery is particularly interesting given our limited knowledge of the urban layout and of bathhouses during this important phase of the city. Despite the limited scope of the excavations, the layout of the complex, as well as certain architectural characteristics, suggests the use of design principles based on Imperial baths. The exclusive use of bricks is significant for this area in Late Antiquity. The imposing monumentality of the structures is comparable to baths in cities with Imperial authority. In the absence of stratified layers linked to this structure, moldmade marks on the bricks and decorative features from the marble facing provide a chronological window between the last quarter of the 4th c. and around the middle of the 5th c. CE for its construction.
- Type
- Note
- Information
- Copyright
- Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press
References
Abadie-Reynal, C., Meyer, C., and Shehi, E.. 2016. “Të dhëna të reja mbi rrjetin urban të Epidamne/Dyrrachium. Fushata 2015.” Candavia 6: 171–88.Google Scholar
Abadie-Reynal, C., Shehi, E., Shkodra, B., and Lefebvre, A.. 2017. “La topographie de Dyrrhachium à la lumière des nouvelles découvertes.” In New Archaeological Discoveries in the Albanian Regions: Proceedings of the International Conference, Tirana, 30–31 January 2017, Vol. 1, 393–408. Tirana: Academy for Albanian Studies, Institute of Archaeology, and Botimet Albanologjike.Google Scholar
Abadie-Reynal, C., Lefebvre, A., Shehi, E., and Shkodra-Rrugia, B.. 2018a. “Topografia e Epidamne-Dyrrachion: Fushata e vitit 2017.” Candavia 7: 173–207.Google Scholar
Abadie-Reynal, C., Lefebvre, A., Shehi, E., and Shkodra-Rrugia, B.. 2018b. “Topography of Epidamne/Dyrrachion, season of 2018.” Report in the Archive of the Academy for Albanian Studies, Institute of Archaeology, Tirana.Google Scholar
Adam, J.-P. 1994. Roman Building: Materials and Techniques. London and New York: Batsford.Google Scholar
Baçe, A. 1980. “Banjat e shekujve të parë të erës sonë në Shqipëri.” Monumentet 19: 51–87.Google Scholar
Bardill, J. 2008. “The masons’ marks.” In The Water Supply of Byzantine Constantinople, ed. Crow, J., Bardill, J., and Bayliss, R., 181–210. JRS Monographs 11. London: Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.Google Scholar
Bargellini, P. 1991. “Le terme centrali di Pompei.” In Les thermes romains. Actes de la table ronde de Rome (11–12 novembre 1988), 115–28. CÉFR 142. Rome: École française de Rome.Google Scholar
Bauer, F. A. 2013. Eine Stadt und ihr Patron. Thessaloniki und der Heilige Demetrios. Regensburg: Schnell & Steiner.Google Scholar
Cormack, R. 1989. “The church of Saint Demetrios: The watercolours and drawings of W. S. George.” In The Byzantine Eye: Studies in Art and Patronage, 44–122. London: Variorum Reprints.Google Scholar
Crow, J. 2008. “The Christian symbols and iconography of the aqueducts of Thrace.” In The Water Supply of Byzantine Constantinople, ed. Crow, J., Bardill, J., and Bayliss, R., 157–80. JRS Monographs 11. London: Society for the Promotion of Roman Studies.Google Scholar
Crow, J. 2017. “Blessing or security? Understanding the Christian symbols of a monumental aqueduct bridge in the hinterland of Late Antique Constantinople.” In Graphic Signs of Identity, Faith, and Power in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, ed. Garipzanov, I., Goodson, C., and Maguire, H., 147–74. Turnhout: Brepols.Google Scholar
Davis, J. L., Hoti, A., Pojani, I., Stocker, S. R., Wolpert, A. D., Acheson, P. E., and Hayes, J. W.. 2003. “The Durrës Regional Archaeological Project: Archaeological survey in the territory of Epidamnus/Dyrrachium in Albania.” Hesperia 72: 41–119.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
DeLaine, J. 1992. “New models, old modes: Continuity and change in the design of public baths.” In Die römische Stadt im 2. Jahrhundert n. Chr. Der Funktionswandel des öffentlichen Raumes. Akten des Kolloquiums Xanten 1990, ed. Schalles, H.-J., von Hesberg, H., and Zanker, P., 257–75. Cologne: Rheinland.Google Scholar
Elsner, J. 1998. Imperial Rome and Christian Triumph. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Forsén, B., Shkodra-Rrugia, B., Korhonen, K., Shehi, E., Ruka, R., and Tikkala, E.. 2018. “Dyrrachium Hinterland Project: First preliminary report.” In L'Illyrie méridionale et l’Èpire dans l'Antiquité, VI. Actes du VIe colloque international de Tirana (20–23 May 2015), Vol. 1, ed. Lamboley, J.-L., Përzhita, L., and Skenderaj, A., 301–17. Paris: de Boccard.Google Scholar
Frashëri, G. 2015. Illyrisches Dyrrah (Dyrrahu ilir), I. Die Grabung Lulishtja 1 Maj. Tirana: Foundation “Qendra Frashëri.”Google Scholar
Gelsomino, R., ed. 1967. Vibius Sequester. De fluminibus, fontibus, lacubus, nemoribus, paludibus, montibus, gentibus per litteras libellus. Leipzig: Teubner.Google Scholar
Gutteridge, A. 2003. “Cultural geographies and ‘the ambition of Latin Europe’: The city of Durrës and its fortifications c. 400–c. 1501,” Archeologia Medievale 30: 19–65.Google Scholar
Gutteridge, A., Hoti, A., and Hurst, H. R.. 2001. “The walled town of Dyrrachium (Durrës): Settlement and dynamics.” JRA 14: 390–410.Google Scholar
Günter, R. 1968. Wand, Fenster und Licht in der Trierer Palastaula und in spätantiken Bauten. Bonn: Wilhelm Beyer Herford.Google Scholar
Heuzey, L., and Daumet, H.. 1876. Mission archéologique de Macédonie. Paris: Firmin-Didot.Google Scholar
Hoti, A. 1989. “Durrës (qytet): Gërmimet arkeologjike të vitit 1989.” Iliria 19, no. 2: 293–94.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Hoti, A., Metalla, E., and Shehi, E.. 2004. “Gërmime arkeologjike Durrës 2001–2003.” Candavia 1: 139–72.Google Scholar
Hoti, A., Metalla, E., Shkodra, B., and Wilkes, J.. 2008. “The Early Byzantine Circular Forum in Dyrrachium (Durrës, Albania) in 2002 and 2004–2005: Recent recording and excavation.” BSA 103: 367–97.Google Scholar
Hidri, H., and Tartari, F.. 1989. “Durrës (qytet): Gërmimet arkeologjike të vitit 1989.” Iliria 19, no. 2: 280–84.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Jacobs, I. 2017. “Cross graffiti as physical means to Christianize the classical city: An exploration of their function, meaning, topographical and socio-historical contexts.” In Graphic Signs of Identity, Faith, and Power in Late Antiquity and the Early Middle Ages, ed. Garipzanov, I., Goodson, C., and Maguire, H., 175–221. Turnhout: Brepols.Google Scholar
Jeremić, M. 2009. “The Sirmium palace complex, in light of recent archaeological investigations.” In Diocletian, Tetrarchy and Diocletian's Palace on the 1700th Anniversary of Existence: Proceedings of the International Conference Held in Split from September 18th to 22nd 2005, ed. Cambi, N., Belamarić, J., and Marasović, T., 471–99. Split: Književni Krug.Google Scholar
Krencker, D., Krüger, E., Lehmann, H., and Wachtler, H.. 1929. Die Trierer Kaiserthermen, Bd. I, 1. Ausgrabungsbericht und grundsätzliche Untersuchungen römischer Thermen. Augsburg: B. Filser.Google Scholar
Mainstone, R. J. 1988. Hagia Sophia: Architecture, Structure, and Liturgy of Justinian's Great Church. New York: Thames and Hudson.Google Scholar
Malfitana, D., Leucci, G., Fragalà, G., Masini, N., Scardozzi, G., Santagati, C., Cacciaguerra, G., and Shehi, E.. 2013. “Visualizing the invisible: Digital reconstruction from an integrated archaeological, remote sensing and geophysical research of a late Roman villa in Durrës (Albania).” In Proceedings of the 2013 Digital Heritage International Congress (DigitalHeritage 2013), Vol. 2, 511–17. Piscataway, NJ: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Manderscheid, H. 1991. “La gestione hidrica delle Terme di Caracalla: Alcune osservazioni.” In Les thermes romains. Actes de la table ronde organisée par l’École française, Rome (Rome, 11–12 novembre 1988), 49–60. CÉFR 142. Rome: L’École française de Rome.Google Scholar
Mayer, E. 2014. “The architecture of Tetrarchy.” In A Companion to Roman Architecture, ed. Ulrich, R. B. and Quenemoen, C. K., 106–26. Chichester: Wiley-Blackwell.Google Scholar
Mentzos, A. 2010. “Reflections on the architectural history of the Tetrarchic palace complex at Thessalonikē.” In From Roman to Early Christian Thessalonikē: Studies in Religion and Archaeology, ed. Nasrallah, L., Bakirtzis, C., and Friesen, S. J., 333–59. Harvard Theological Studies 64. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.Google Scholar
Miraj, L. 1991. “Mbishkrime për ndërtimet e Dyrrahut.” Iliria 21, no. 2: 249–58.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
Nielsen, I. 1990. Thermae et Balnea: The Architecture and Cultural History of Roman Public Baths. Aarhus: Aarhus University Press.Google Scholar
Paleani, M. T. 1993. Le lucerne paleocristiane. Antiquarium Romanum, Cataloghi, 1. Rome: “L'Erma” di Bretschneider.Google Scholar
Praschniker, C., and Schober, A.. 2003. Kërkime arkeologjike në Shqipëri dhe Mal të Zi. Tirana: Pegi. [Originally published as Archäologische Forschungen in Albanien und Montenegro. Vienna: A. Hölder, 1919.]Google Scholar
Rizzardi, C., ed. 1996. Il Mausoleo di Galla Placidia a Ravenna. Modena: Franco Cosimo Panini.Google Scholar
Rizzardi, C. 1997. “San Vitale: L'architettura.” In La Basilica di San Vitale a Ravenna, ed. Martinelli, P. A., 21–40. Modena: Franco Cosimo Panini.Google Scholar
Santoro, S., and Monti, A.. 2004. “Carta del rischio archeologico della città di Durrës: Metodologia di realizzazione e istruzioni per l'uso.” In Progetto Durrës. Atti del secondo e del terzo incontro scientifico, ed. Buora, M. and Santoro, S., 525–86. Antichità Altoadriatiche 58. Trieste: Editreg.Google Scholar
Santoro, S., Sassi, B., and Hoti, A.. 2011. “Una nuova immagine dell'urbanistica di Epidamnos Dyrrachium dagli scavi e dale ricerche del Dipartimento di Archeologia e della Missione Archeologica Italiana a Durrës.” In L'Illyrie méridionale et l'Epire dans l'Antiquité, V. Actes du Ve colloque international de Grenoble (8–11 octobre 2008), ed. Lamboley, J.-L. and Castiglioni, M. P., Vol. 1, 299–324. Paris: de Boccard.Google Scholar
Sestieri, P. 1942. “Vita pubblica e monumenti di Durazzo in età romana attraverso le inscrizioni.” Epigraphica 4: 127–38.Google Scholar
Schibille, N. 2014. Hagia Sophia and the Byzantine Aesthetic Experience. Farnham, UK, and Burlington, VT: Ashgate.Google Scholar
Schiebold, H. 2006. Heizung und Wassererwärmung in römischen Thermen. Historische Entwicklung, Nachfolgesysteme, neuzeitliche Betrachtungen und Untersuchungen. Siegburg: Deutsche Wasserhistorische Gesellschaft.Google Scholar
Shehi, E. 2007. “Contributo per la topographia di Dyrrachium (III secolo a.C–IV secolo d.C).” Journal of Ancient Topography 17: 159–208.Google Scholar
Shehi, E. 2014. “Some ideas on the street network organisation at Roman Dyrrachium.” In Proceedings of the International Congress of Albanian Archaeological Studies: 65th Anniversary of Albanian Archaeology (21–22 November 2013), ed. Përzhita, L., Gjipali, I., Hoxha, G., and Muka, B., 407–23. Tirana: Botimet Albanologjike.Google Scholar
Shehi, E. 2018. “Gjurmë të dy monumenteve antike të vona dhe mesjetare në Durrës: zbulime të rastit.” Iliria 42: 273–91.Google Scholar
Shehi, E. 2020. “Review of the ancient and Late Antique fortifications of Epidamnos-Dyrrachion.” In Fortificazioni e società nel Mediterraneo occidentale. Albania e Grecia settentrionale, ed. Caliò, L. M., Gerogiannis, G. M., and Kapsacheili, M., 63–76. Catania: Edizioni Quasar.Google Scholar
Shehi, E., Abadie-Reynal, C., Shkodra, B., and Mannon, Y.. Forthcoming. “Franco-Albanian archaeological collaboration (2012–2015): Research on the Durrës topography.” In TRADE 2nd–9th c: Transformations of Adriatic Europe, 2nd–9th Century (International Conference 11th–13th February 2016). Zadar: University of Zadar, Department of Archaeology.Google Scholar
Shehi, E., Çekrezi, E., Hasa, K., Velo, K., and Abadie-Reynal, C.. 2018. “Rezultatet e sondazheve arkeologjike të realizuara para hyrjes së portit të Durrësit.” Candavia 7: 227–60.Google Scholar
Shehi, E., and Shkodra-Rrugia, B.. 2011. “Le front nord des fortifications de Dyrrhachium: Données nouvelles et hypothèses.” In L'Illyrie méridionale et l'Epire dans l'Antiquité, V. Actes du Ve colloque international de Grenoble (8–11 octobre 2008), ed. Lamboley, J.-L. and Castiglioni, M. P., Vol. 1, 326–36. Paris: de Boccard.Google Scholar
Shkodra, B. 2006. “Ceramica tardoantica dal Macellum-Forum di Durrës.” Quaderni Friulani di Archeologia 16: 257–89.Google Scholar
Shkodra-Rrugia, B. 2017. “Late Antique Dyrrachium: A new discovery in the urban centre.” In Proceedings of the International Conference: New Archaeological Discoveries in the Albanian Regions, 597–614. Tirana: Academy for Albanian Studies, Institute of Archeology, and Botimet Albanologjike.Google Scholar
Shkodra-Rrugia, B. 2018. “Late Roman Dyrrachium: Excavations at the triangular tower.” In L'Illyrie méridionale et l’Èpire dans l'Antiquité, VI. Actes du VIe colloque international de Tirana (20–23 May 2015), ed. Lamboley, J.-L., Përzhita, L., and Skenderaj, A., Vol. 1, 319–33. Paris: de Boccard.Google Scholar
Shkodra-Rrugia, B. 2019. “Dyrrachium në antikitetin e vonë: Raport i gërmimit të vitit 2019.” Report in the Archive of the Academy for Albanian Studies, Institute of Archeology, Tirana.Google Scholar
Shkodra-Rrugia, B. 2020. “Zenith and eclipse of a civil plaza: The Circular Forum of Dyrrachium.” Paper presented at Illyries identités croisées: 2ème colloque international d'archéologie dans le cadre du mois de la francophonie 2020 à Tirana, Musée national d'histoire, Tirana, March 3–4, 2020.Google Scholar
Sodini, J.-P. 2007. “The transformation of cities in Late Antiquity within the provinces of Macedonia and Epirus.” In The Transition to Late Antiquity: On the Danube and Beyond, ed. Poulter, A. G., 311–36. Oxford: Oxford University Press.Google Scholar
Styger, P. 1933. Die römischen Katakomben. Archäologische Forschungen über den Ursprung und die Bedeutung der altchristlichen Grabstätten. Berlin: Verlag für Kunstwissenschaft.Google Scholar
Toçi, V. 1965. “Disa të dhëna mbi topografinë dhe elementin ilir të Dyrrahit në dritën e zbulimeve të reja arkeologjike.” In Konferenca e Parë e Studimeve Albanologjike (15–21 Nëndor 1962), 460–67. Tirana: Universiteti Shtetëror i Tiranës, Instituti i Historisë dhe i Gjuhësisë.Google Scholar
Toçi, V. 1972. “Të dhëna mbi elementin ilir në Dyrrah në dritën e të zbulimeve të reja arkeologjike.” Studime Historike 2: 103–44.Google Scholar
Verhoeven, M. 2011. The Early Christian Monuments of Ravenna: Transformations and Memory. Turnhout: Brepols.Google Scholar
Ward-Perkins, J. B. 1958. “Notes on the structure and building methods of Early Byzantine architecture.” In The Great Palace of the Byzantine Emperors, ed. Rice, D. T., 52–104. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press.Google Scholar
Ward-Perkins, J. B. 1974. Cities of Ancient Greece and Italy: Planning in Classical Antiquity. New York: George Braziller.Google Scholar
Wilkes, J. 2011. “The Roman colonial settlements at Dyrrachium, Byllis and Buthrotum: Purpose and character.” In L'Illyrie méridionale et l'Epire dans l'Antiquité, V. Actes du Ve colloque international de Grenoble (8–11 octobre 2008), ed. Lamboley, J.-L. and Castiglioni, M. P., Vol. 1, 93–97. Paris: de Boccard.Google Scholar
Wilson, A. 2007. “Urban development in the Severan empire.” In Severan Culture, ed. Swain, S., Harrison, S., and Elsner, J., 290–326. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.Google Scholar
Yegül, F. K. 1992. Baths and Bathing in Classical Antiquity. New York and Cambridge, MA: Architectural History Foundation and MIT Press.Google Scholar
Yegül, F. K. 2014. “Roman Imperial baths and thermae.” In A Companion to Roman Architecture, ed. Ulrich, R. B. and Quenemoen, C. K., 299–323. Malden, MA: Wiley-Blackwell.Google Scholar
Zacchetti, E., and Piazzoni, A.. 1993. Simboli. Dizionari Piemme. Casale Monferrato: Piemme.Google Scholar
Zeqo, M. 1989. “Durrës (qytet): Gërmimet arkeologjike të vitit 1989.” Iliria 19, no. 2: 284–86.Google Scholar
Shkodra-Rrugia supplementary material
Shkodra-Rrugia supplementary material
PDF
8.3 MB