Settlement, Urbanization, and Population

This volume explores population and settlement patterns in the Mediterranean from 100 BC to AD 350, focusing on urbanization and rural evidence across regions like Italy, Spain, and Egypt.

Settlement, Urbanization, and Population is a scholarly collection of essays that delve into the dynamics of population and settlement patterns in the Mediterranean region, specifically during the period from 100 BC to AD 350. This volume emphasizes the relationship between urbanization and economic development within the Roman Empire, providing fresh perspectives on how these factors influenced various regions, including Italy, Spain, Britain, Egypt, Crete, and Asia Minor.

The essays are organized into two primary sections. The first focuses on rural settlement, utilizing archaeological field surveys to uncover evidence of population distribution and the methodological challenges associated with interpreting this data. By examining rural areas, the authors shed light on the broader implications of settlement patterns and how they inform our understanding of population dynamics in the ancient world.

The second section addresses urban populations and the processes of urbanization. The contributors explore the hierarchical structure of settlements, illustrating the classical model of city and territory. They discuss how these entities are defined and interconnected, from the overarching concept of the empire as the city of Rome plus territory to the more localized regional and local hierarchies. Through this comprehensive analysis, the book highlights the instruments that facilitated economic cohesion within these communities, offering valuable insights into the complexities of urban and rural life in the Mediterranean during this transformative period.