The effects of Roman expansion in the Middle Tiber Valley : Ameria and its environs
Abstract
[EMBARGOED UNTIL 12/1/2024] This dissertation constitutes a micro-history of the town of Ameria (modern Amelia) located in the Central Italian region of Umbria from 700 BCE to 300 CE. By reducing the scale of analysis to the local situation, we can 'people' our histories of social change over time with real people thanks to historical texts and inscriptions. The long-term view paired with a holistic framework that incorporates evidence from the urban and rural spheres underscores the persistence or upstart nature of local families and communities at Ameria. This study surveys the theoretical and historical contexts for understanding urban development and transformations in ancient Italy. Utilizing the array of published data, legacy data from archives, and GIS analysis, this project presents a ground-up historical narrative of how the community of ancient Ameria navigated a millennium of socio- political and cultural changes before and after the Roman conquest.
Degree
Ph. D.