Overview

This book is the first in-depth analysis of one of the most remarkable monuments of Ostia, the ancient port town of Rome: The Domus del Ninfeo (III, VI, 1-3). Originally built as a multi-storey complex during the reign of Hadrian, in Late Antiquity it was converted into a ground-floor mansion to serve the dominus and his extended family. During this phase the building was enriched with marble floors and the elegant nymphaeum that gives it its current name. This study aims to present a comprehensive picture of the Domus, analysing not only the many structural changes but also its topographical setting, historical context and social inferences. The text also features the archaeological drawings that were made during the study and the results of a clearance in an area of the house previously neglected; the latter has provided invaluable evidence for interesting structural modifications that were previously completely unknown.

Full Product Details

Author:   Alessandra Batty
Publisher:   BAR Publishing
Imprint:   BAR Publishing
Weight:   1.005kg
ISBN:  

9781407316147

ISBN 10:   1407316141
Pages:   225
Publication Date:   30 October 2018
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Mixed media product
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Available To Order  
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Table of Contents

List of Illustrations List of Tables List of Plates Introduction I. Spatial Context I.1 On the Excavation of the Domus del Ninfeo I.2 The North and South Sides of the Decumanus Maximus around the Domus del Ninfeo: the Hadrianic Project I.3 The Post-Hadrianic Period: Survival and Change II. Structural Analysis of the Domus del Ninfeo II.1 Problems Posed by the Present Condition of the Monument, Building Techniques and Chronology II.2 Periodisation II.3 Pre-2nd Century Phase II.4 The Insula Phase: Remarks on the Shape and the Boundaries of the Plot II.4.1 Structure: Foundations II.4.2 Structure: Elevation. Remarks on Building Techniques and Materials II.4.3 Central units: Red Block, Ground Floor: Description of the Hadrianic Phase. Apartment II.4.4 Central Units: Green Block, Ground Floor: Description of the Hadrianic Phase. Stairways II.4.5 Central Units: Blue Block, Ground Floor: Description of the Hadrianic Phase. Apartment II.4.6 The Open Area(s). Overall Layout II.4.7 The Shop Range II.5 The Intermediate Phase: The Problem of its Identification II.6 The Domus Phase: Pattern of Occupation II.6.1 The East Wing II.6.2 The West Wing II.6.3 The Shop Range II.6.4 Upper Floors During the Domus Phase II.7 Conclusion III. Some Notes on the Architectural Implications of the Domus del Ninfeo III.1 Introduction III.2 The 2nd Century (Insula) Phase: Building and Economic Classes III.3 The Late-Antique (Domus) Phase III.3.1 Some Hypotheses on the Functions of Individual Rooms III.3.2 The Corridors III.3.3 The Spaces for Reception and Display and the Re-shaping of the Optical Axes III.4 The Economy of the Conversion IV. The Historical and Social Context of the Domus del Ninfeo IV.1 The 'Other Town' of Late Antiquity IV.2 Historical Data IV.2.1 Late-Antique Ostians and their Residences IV.3 Conclusion V. Summary Bibliography Plates* Appendix 1. Key to the Gazetteer Appendix 2. Gazetteer Appendix 3. Brick-stamps found in the Domus del Ninfeo Appendix 4. Notes on the Restoration of the Domus del Ninfeo: Documented and Non-documented Activity Appendix 5. A Gaming Board * Full-size versions of Plates 4 and 6-14 are available to download

Reviews

'This is original, in fact, pioneering work. . [Batty's] handling of the data is exemplary. . A scholar would be hard put to find such a well-reasoned and comprehensive account of Late Antique Ostia. It is so rich!' Prof. John R. Clarke, University of Texas at Austin 'This is a very useful volume. Yes, it is single-structure oriented but it offers a lot in terms of understanding how the city of Ostia worked, grew and looked, and it lets readers learn about the rather patchy way that houses have been explored and recorded in the past in Ostia's extensive archaeological history. . The many who study Pompeii and Ostia and Roman urbanism generally will find much of interest in here.' Prof. Neil Christie, University of Leicester

Author Information

Alessandra Batty holds a first degree and a postgraduate degree in Archaeology from the Universita 'La Sapienza' (Rome) and an MA in Archaeology and PhD in the History of Art from the University of Manchester. Her main research interests are the history of archaeological studies and the structural analysis of monuments (especially at Ostia).

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