This study presents the results of a four-year archaeological fieldwork project undertaken from 2004 to 2007 at the ancient city of Butrint (Bouthrotos; Buthrotum). A central achievement of the project was the discovery of the Roman forum, the administrative and civic center of the Roman city. Excavations in the ancient urban center recovered extensive material evidence and established a valuable stratigraphic record that cast new light on the topography and developmental phases of Butrint from Hellenistic to Medieval times. This study focuses on Hellenistic and early Roman Butrint specifically. It examines the archaeological evidence from the excavations (from the 3rd century B.C. to 4th century A.D.) and contextualizes the most important results from the Hellenistic and Augustan periods within a larger conceptual framework related to Epirus. The infrastructural development of Butrint is examined in view of macro changes affecting both Epirus and the Mediterranean in Hellenistic and Roman times.
The study begins with an analysis of the archaeology, ancient literary sources, and scholarly studies pertaining to the region of Epirus. The primary themes examined are the physical environment, historical topography, economics, and political organization of the region. Considerable attention is given to pastoralism and its importance to the economy of Greek and Roman Epirus. I argue that social/ideological factors and markets for pastoral products through trade contributed greatly to the scale and growth of pastoralism during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. I also propose that a major restructuring of the Epirote economy occurred in the 2nd century B.C., when increased trade and Roman imperialism brought about an increase in the scale of pastoralism and a greater regional dependency on imported grain.
The urban center developed in two major phases in the Hellenistic period. The first phase (late 4th or 3rd century B.C.) entailed the construction of monuments related to the Sanctuary of Asclepius. The second phase (2nd century B.C.) consisted of the establishment of the Agora and an architectural redefinition of the Sanctuary of Asclepius with the construction of the Theater and its Temple. The Hellenistic urbanization phases are considered in light of Roman imperialism and maritime trade. I argue that the destruction of the koinon of the Molossians and increased trade contributed significantly to the urban transformation of Bouthrotos.
The foundation of the Roman colony in 44 B.C. brought about a second major transformation of the ancient urban center. New building projects and urban networks reconfigured the preexisting spatial structure of the city. The centerpiece of the new Roman city was the forum. By examining the stratigraphy and material evidence, I reconstruct the design of the forum and several excavated buildings. The study explores the motivation and goals of the colonial building program.
In the mid 3rd century A.D., an extensive spoliation phase was followed by large-scale rebuilding. The forum came to an end in the mid-to-late 4th century A.D., possibly owing to an earthquake. The inundation of the forum by this event may explain why the civic center shifted to the eastern side of Butrint in Late Antiquity.