LAMOS IN ROUGH CILICIA: AN ARCHITECTURAL SURVEY
Abstract
This paper presents the findings of an initial architectural survey at the site of
Lamos in western Rough Cilicia, undertaken as part of the Rough Cilicia Survey
Project (RCSP). The results include the first measured plan of the city, incorporating
both buildings and topography. The city is divided into four main areas, each area
centered around a small knoll or hillock. From east to west these include an agora,
colonnaded street, cemetery, and acropolis. The architectural survey has documented
several new structures, while the identity of others has been corrected from that of
previous scholars. The majority of the architectural remains appear to date from the
2nd through 3rd centuries A.D., the period of the city’s greatest prosperity. Analysis
of the architecture of Lamos within the context of world systems theory reveals a
complex interaction between core and periphery. In this regard the finds at Lamos
support the conclusions that RCSP has reached for the entire region: indigenous
cultures were active in negotiating a complex relationship with the offshore power
of Rome, managing to preserve both native traditions and social power.
Keywords
Lamos, Western Rough Cilicia, native traditions, agora, colonnaded street, cemetery, acropolis.
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