Late Roman Athens - Detailed Notes

  • Historical Context:

    • Period of well-being during the 2nd century A.D., comparable to Perikles’ era.

    • Slowly declined due to Roman Empire's deterioration, facing threats from barbarian invasions.

  • Barbarian Raids:

    • Costobocs attacks noted as early as the 2nd century.

    • Major raid by Herulians in 267 A.D. devastated lower city.

    • Dexippos, an Athenian archon, led a defense with 2,000 men.

  • Archaeological Evidence:

    • High damage observed in the Agora, notable sites include:

    • Odeion of Agrippa (referred to as the “burnt building”).

    • Other structures like Dipylon, Metroon, Stoa of Attalos, and Library of Hadrian show signs of destruction.

    • Damage to the Acropolis remains less documented.

  • Urban Changes Post-Raid:

    • Theimstoclean wall, once essential for defense, became impractical as Athens transitioned from a city-state to a provincial town.

    • New, modest circuit wall built following the Herulian invasion (ca. 282 A.D.), demonstrated re-use of architectural blocks.

    • Supported by inscriptions detailing private contributions to fortifications.

  • Cultural and Educational Landscape:

    • Philosophical and rhetorical schools thrived despite socio-economic challenges.

    • Texts from the era highlight Athens as a center for higher learning, drawing scholars from the Mediterranean.

    • Wealthy Athenians hosted private schools and lectures; schools remained predominantly pagan until Christianity's prominence.

  • Buildings and Structures:

    • Luxurious villas emerged, indicating prosperity among the elite, complete with marble features and collections of sculptures.

    • Eunapius, a historian, described Julian of Cappadocia's modest yet culturally vibrant home, emphasizing the tension between scholars and the city’s citizens.

  • Religious Transition:

    • Christianity's influence gradually increased, particularly after the Edict of Theodosius II.

    • Early Christian architecture began to appear, including the Tetraconch church structure in the Library of Hadrian and new basilicas in the city.

    • Pagan temples began to convert into Christian churches starting in the late 5th century through the 7th century.

  • Invasions and Decline:

    • The Visigoths, led by Alaric, threatened Athens in 396 A.D.; outcomes varied in historical accounts, suggesting potential peace or destruction.

    • The 5th century saw a resurgence in building, yet the Slavic invasions (582-583 A.D.) further led to an increasing decline.

  • End of an Era:

    • Justinian's decree in 529 A.D. permanently closed philosophical schools, marking a cultural decline.

    • Subsequent invasions dismantled ancient structures, reducing Athens to a fraction of its past significance.

    • Transition to small churches re-defined the urban landscape by the 11th and 12th centuries.

  • Impact of Antiquities and Preservation:

    • Historical plunder for new infrastructure began as early as the Persian Wars, followed by continuous deterioration from barbarian invasions.