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Wealth of the Late Roman Cities in the Near East
- Cities in east preserved prosperity throughout 6th and 7th centuries despite war, plague, drought, flood, disease, locusts.
- Major building work was carried out in Jordan and Palestinene with new churches being built and restorations being carried out
- There are arguments that this was due to pilgrim traffic and pious settlers however no evidence.
- A Ephesus and most sites outside Holy Land. Anemourion in Cicilia hit by earthquake in 580 rebuilt and by later 620s community regained much of its prosperity. Pella wealthy right through the 8th and 9th century.
- Decapolis cities Gadara, Capitalium- no sign decline 6th century no archaeological sign of Islamic conquest either. Date stamps reveal large amounts of silver objects in second half of 6th century and early 7th century. 540 Apamea all silver taking, but by 573 when Persians came back replenished to provide another huge booty.
- Edessa also rich this way. Wealth of a society that could pay and pay again. Decline public buildings, does not reflect decline civic pride, but chage cultural attitude. Christian Romans want to build orphanages, monasteries, old peoples homes and above all churches. These buildings that reflect urban wealth.
- Public space city life, forum, street plans gradually change into souks, narrow alleys, changing by 6th century. visual culture of ancient Hellenisitc city changing polis for something different.
- Classicists prefer this exacts a value judgement on city planning. Prefer enclosed performances in cathedral or mosque.Ruined monuments no guide to prosperity city-dwellers take this for granted. Plenty of copper coinage around in 6th< and 7th century thus coinage shows prosperity of the economy.
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