Geç antik çağda Stratonikeia

Abstract

Stratonikeia in Caria spreads over the north slope of Kadıkulesi Tepesi and the flat area extending further. Discoveries in architecture and small finds from the ancient city range from the Bronze Age until the present. An important part of this long history encompasses the lower city on the flat area and its environs during the late antiquity. Following the earthquakes during the second and third centuries AD, in addition to the restoration of the damaged buildings, new and monumental strong buildings were constructed. After the proclamation of Christianity as the official religions, buildings were constructed in a hurry, thus not strong enough, in the fourth century, and they were easily destroyed in earthquakes. Then, from the late fourth through the late sixth century more monumental and grandiose structures were built. A Golden Age is attested not only in architecture but also in literature; and, abundance of materials from fallen structures as well as others ready to use paved the way for “Late Antique Gathering” and a new process of constructions. Starting in the first quarter of the seventh century, the city shrank in overall with many areas abandoned, and settlement continued only in a small area in the northeast. The present study presents a general evaluation of the remains and finds from the late antiquity uncovered in the course of excavations and surveys within the city walls of Stratonikeia and environs.