More than War. Symbolic Functions of Ancient Fortifications

• Applicant: Dr. Silke Müth-Frederiksen
• Subject Area: Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: from 2012 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 214568329

Fortifications are commonly considered as protective constructions only, they rarely count as aesthetic monuments and are mostly studied only under defensive aspects. However, they frequently contain clearly recognisable symbolic aims which go far beyond defence. Their ostensible defensive character often communicates even more important messages to their beholder which have been rarely taken into account and have not been adequately studied until now. Based on the latest symbol-theory of architecture, these are to be thoroughly analysed in the projected study, and thus the important social role of fortifications is to be carved out for the first time. By aesthetic design, monumental setting, use of spoils or inscriptions, fortifications may tell of the wealth and power of a citys population or ruler, but also of independence, common identity, traditions, loyalties and pride of private benefactors. They may also serve as historic, public or sacral monuments. Benefiting from the advantage which the location in Athens provides, such symbolic or representative functions of Greek and Roman fortifications will be analysed in the intended project by studying the scholarly literature and by on-site observation. They are going to be scrutinized regarding their identifiability, distinction and mutual overlap, their means and forms of expression, their meanings, dependencies of certain historical, political or social conditions as well as their general changeability in the regional, political and chronological horizon of antiquity. The perception of ancient fortifications is thus to be dilated from the hitherto often limited interpretation as military defensive buildings into a wider consideration of those monuments as deliberately conceived elements of built space, mirrors of social self-conception and bearers of significant messages.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• Host: Privatdozent Reinhard Senff, Ph.D.