Chantal Bielmann, MA Classical Studies, University of Ottawa
'New Insight into Urban and Religious Transformation: The Impact of Late Antique Archaeology'
Mitchell's new text on the Late Antique period makes it clear that between 284-641 the Roman Empire underwent many important transitions. His focus on the historical events, the change from 'paganism' to Christianity and even economic change, however, leaves out the topic of Late Antique archaeology and does not give the reader any references to explore this field. In recent years Late Antique archaeology has seen a growth in publications, as attested by the bibliographic paper of Chavarria and Lewitt (2004) which has 16 pages of references.
But it is not that Late Antique archaeology has seen a rise in publication, but it is the results that have pushed Late Antique archaeology into a vital component into understanding Late Antiquity as a period of intense transformation. This paper (presentation) will demonstrate how Late Antique archaeology is another avenue to not only understand religious transformation, such as 'temple conversion' and the change in sacred landscapes. but also demonstrate urban transformation, such as the change from a classical city to a medieval city.