From Archaic Agora to Roman Forum: Urban Organization of Public Spaces in Ancient Alexandria

Kamel El-desokey, Amira; Anwar Yassin, Karim

doi:10.21608/mfth.2023.335031

From Archaic Agora to Roman Forum: Urban Organization of Public Spaces in Ancient Alexandria

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ 2Tourism Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City

² Tourism Guidance Department, Faculty of Tourism and Hotels, University of Sadat City

10.21608/mfth.2023.335031

Abstract

The flourish of ancient Alexandria can be traced back to the time of its foundation in early Hellenistic period when it became the center of the Greek culture and the capital of Egypt. It was also considered one of the greatest powers of the ancient world till the time of its decline in 30 B.C and the appearance of the power of Rome. Historians imply that "Forum" or Public Space is the place where public events and affairs took place. The Forum initially acted primarily as a market place for daily purchases. As public events were held there throughout time, it developed into something that is far more spatial adaptation and useful as: Statues, arches, Basilicas and other vital buildings were added to accommodate the gathering. This research seeks to argue the architectural development of Alexandria during the Roman period and the sustainability in planning the city in this period.
The Research objectives are: to illustrate the idea of Forum according to classical historians' writings; clarify the various functions of Forum in the Roman period where elections, public speeches, criminal trials, religious ceremonies, social gatherings and business dealings, law courts, and gladiatorial combats) took place and trying to relocate the Roman Forum as for the location of the Agora supposing sustainability in use and function regardless the diversity of design and Plan. Ancient Forum can be considered as an important criterion in elevating the development and the growth of the city so the research draws on an analytical and historical study of the forum based on the original and the oldest Roman Forum, studying its design, appendixes, technologies, and architecture.

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