Temple conversion and cultural, ritual and topographic memory in Alexandria, Cyrene and Carthage

Driver, Ruth Elizabeth (2014). Temple conversion and cultural, ritual and topographic memory in Alexandria, Cyrene and Carthage. University of Birmingham. M.Phil.

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Abstract

This thesis examines temple conversion in the cities of Alexandria, Cyrene and Carthage during the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. with particular reference to how the processes of temple conversion effect the cultural, ritual and topographical memory of the cities inhabitants. How an individual interacts with their city is based on layers of memory laid down in a mind-map, a community is built when there are elements of shared memory focussed around certain common landmarks. Dramatic changes to the landscape, such as temple conversion, can alter how a population views the city and their place within it.

Chapters two, three and four examine the archaeological and literary evidence for each of the cities respectively. The fifth chapter discusses the shared themes of topographical changes to the cityscape including the use and re-use of ritual route-ways, iconoclasm and temple conversion through the literature. Conclusions are drawn on the narrative of temple conversion and memory in the three case study cities.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.Phil.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.Phil.

Supervisor(s):