Roman Aegean Thrace : An Archaeological Biography

Providing an archaeological exploration of Roman Aegean Thrace from the Late Hellenistic period to Late Antiquity, this book examines urbanization, settlements, rural and mountainous landscapes, ritual and burial sites, and questions of identity. Nestled in the north-eastern corner of the Greek peninsula, Aegean Thrace possesses a rich cultural history shaped by Thracians, Greeks, and later Romans alike. With its abundance of timber, precious minerals, and thriving livestock, the region fostered a distinctive cultural milieu that persisted into the imperial period. Vassilis Evangelidis incorporates the most up-to-date archaeological discoveries, investigating a wide range of sites and landscapes, including tumuli, open-air sanctuaries, indigenous settlements, strongholds, and enclosures, alongside established Greek centres such as Abdera and Maroneia. Drawing on an interdisciplinary approach that integrates geospatial, social, and cultural perspectives, he reveals the complexity of Aegean Thrace’s archaeological landscape beyond conventional historical narratives. The result is a study that presents Aegean Thrace as a dynamic hub of cultural interaction and distinctive character offering fresh insights into the complexities of the Roman world.