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Document Details :

Title: Monumental Entrances of Roman Ostia
Subtitle: Architecture with Public Associations and Spatial Meaning
Author(s): STÖGER, Hanna
Journal: BABESCH
Volume: 82    Issue: 2   Date: 2007   
Pages: 347-363
DOI: 10.2143/BAB.82.2.2020782

Abstract :
The monumental doorways of buildings in Roman Ostia offer a wealth of insight into the city’s urban dynamics. Assessed diachronically Ostia’s entrances provide a vibrant picture of a changing urban landscape. The focus is on their meaning and how these entrances reflect strategic considerations and individual choices. An array of influential factors relating to status and ownership, security, religious protection and negotiations between private entrance and public space will be investigated. Spatial factors with emphasis on location, security, distancing and visibility will be assessed to establish their degree of explanatory potential. The decisive factors that appear to have influenced choices and considerations are combined in ways unique to each particular entrance.

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