Roman defensive architecture in the Principate period (AD I-III) – teichology and poliorcetics

elective courses
general courses

The main topic of the course will be the techniques of construction (teichology) and defence (poliorcetics) of Roman fortifications in the 1st-3rd centuries AD built primarily for military purposes. The genesis and evolution of defensive works will be presented. The issue of source materials will also be discussed, including archaeological, written and iconographic materials, as well as the methodology of their analysis, the formulation of research conclusions and making their own interpretations. Based on the discussed examples, participants will analyse factors determining their appearance, plan or applied building materials. Another element of the considerations will be the possible non-military functions of defensive structures and the way they were perceived by the builders and potential invaders.

From very simple forms to extremely complex and elaborate defensive systems, fortifications have existed since prehistoric times. The level of their complexity and extent reflected not only the tactical possibilities and siege techniques used by the enemy at the time (poliorcetics), but also the level of development of construction and design thought (teichology), as well as the degree of potential danger.

In recent years, the field of research related to ancient defenses has been significantly expanded, and has gained extraordinary popularity among historians and archaeologists. The importance of ancient fortifications for the study of past cultures is undeniable, if only by the fact that their construction involved an enormous amount of work and the use of numerous building materials. Consequently, their features and complexity can tell us a great deal about the civilization that built them, and even more about the history of their transformation and evolution and the external influences they may have been subjected to over the years.

Numerous examples of Roman fortifications dating from the Principate period (1st-3rd century AD) will be presented and discussed together. They will mainly belong to the defensive systems of legionary fortresses and those of auxiliary troops. Some of the defensive works discussed will also concern civilian settlements and so-called linear barriers (e.g. Hadrian's Wall, Antoninian Wall, fossatum Africae etc.). During the course the participants will try to indicate the most important factors which influenced the decision to build given fortifications, what determined their appearance and subsequent conservation works and further development or their abandonment.

Müth, S., Schnelder, P.I., de Staebler, P.D. (eds.) 2016. Focus on Fortifications, A Compendium of Theory and Practice, Oxford.

Flügel, C., Obmann, J. (eds.) 2013. Römische Wehrbauten. Befund und Rekonstruktion, München. (wybrane rozdziały)

Bishop, M.C. 2012. Handbook to Roman Legionary Fortresses, Barnsley.

Breeze, D.J. 2011. The Frontiers of the Imperial Rome, Barnsley.

Breeze, D., Jilek, S. (eds.) 2008. Frontiers of the Roman Empire. The European Dimensions of a World Heritage Site, Edinburgh.

Reddé, M., Brulet, R., Fellmann, R. et al. (eds.) 2006. L’architecture de la Gaule romaine. Les fortifications militaires, Paris–Bordeaux. (wybrane rozdziały)

Bohec, Y. 2000. The imperial roman army, New York. (wybrane rozdziały)

Knowledge and skills:

Upon completion of the course, the student is able to define and explain basic terms related to Roman defensive architecture and ancient siege art. He/she has an extended knowledge of particular defense systems located on the frontier territories of the Empire. Can identify the basic elements of Roman fortifications and knows the history of their evolution. Has the skills to make comparisons of the different Roman defensive systems and can analyze the factors that influenced their design, execution and complexity. Recognizes the advantages and disadvantages of using specific design solutions and construction techniques and materials in defensive assumptions. Knows and understands methods of analysis and interpretation of research problems in the archaeology of Roman fortifications. They can formulate research problems, create original concepts, formulate and test hypotheses. Has the ability to conduct scientific polemics.

Social competences:

Is ready to:

- to use his/her knowledge and skills and is aware of the necessity to confront it with expert opinions;

- to evaluate the unique value of archaeological sources and their role in reconstructing the human past;

- to critically evaluate the interpretation of archaeological and historical sources and is aware of the multifaceted nature of the interpretation of issues related to Roman fortifications;

- use their knowledge of the complex nature of culture and are aware of the need to analyze different categories of sources to reconstruct the human past related mainly to defensive architecture.

Assessment on the basis of:

- activity in class, preparation and involvement in the discussion on the discussed topics (50% of the final mark)

- the results of the final oral examination (50% of the final mark).