8 - Revisiting Old Data with New Techniques. A Re-evaluation of Insulae V, ii and IV, ii in Ostia through the eyes of Space Syntax

Summary

This chapter presents a comparison of the results of two different Space Syntax analyses: the archaeological interpretations of two construction phases of block V, ii (c. AD 200 and c. AD 400-500) by the author of this chapter and the Space Syntax analysis of block IV, ii conducted by Dr. Hanna Stöger. This case study is used to discuss the potential and viability of using Space Syntax for comparisons between archaeological case studies.

INTRODUCTION

This chapter presents the results of a spatial analysis of two construction phases of city block V, ii in Ostia Antica: the Severan phase (c. AD 200) and the final phase of this city block (c. AD 400-500). Space Syntax is used in a way similar to that of Stöger (Stöger 2011), who analysed the nearby city block IV, ii. This allows for a comparison between Stöger's published PhD monograph and Jansen's MSc dissertation.

First, a basic introduction is given on Space Syntax theory and methods, followed by a description of the case study. Next, the results of the Space Syntax analysis of insula V, ii are presented, and it is demonstrated that these data can be used to interpret the function of a space. This is followed by two comparisons between insulae IV, ii and V, ii: a comparison of their physical properties and a comparison of their hidden spatial properties (which are measured using Space Syntax). The chapter closes with the conclusions of this study and looks forward by discussing the future potential of applying Space Syntax in the field of archaeology.

SPACE SYNTAX

The concept known as “Space Syntax” was developed in the context of architectural design and movement in the built environment (de Smith et al. 2007, 343-344). It was pioneered by Bill Hillier and Julienne Hanson in the late 1970s (Stöger 2011, 43). Space Syntax encompasses a multitude of theories1 and methods primarily used in the fields of architectural and urban research and design (Al- Sayed et al. 2014, 7). However, these methods also present a toolkit which can be employed by archaeologists. Integrating this approach into the field of archaeology allows us to uncover hidden characteristics of the built environment which may not be apparent from their archaeological remains.