Brevi appunti su alcuni caratteri architettonici dei porti ellenistici nel contesto del Mediterraneo orientale

In the Greek and Roman Mediterranean, port cities exhibit particularly interesting urban and architectural developments. In the eastern Aegean district, the port cities seem to play a key role defining certain architectural features that indicate a clear intention to represent the city through the complex arrangement of port infrastructure, which serves various functions, with a particular focus on commercial and military needs. Briefly refering some key characteristics of the port cities in the eastern Mediterranean district from the end of the Classical Age to the Hellenistic Age, this paper aims to highlight the relationships between the functional needs of ports and the urban and architectural layout of the city. Certain port cities, in particular, seem to shape the port landscape in response to the changes that occur during the transition from the Classical Age to the full Hellenistic Age. During this historical phase, some important centers experience architectural growth and demonstrate a clear representational intent, making the port the preferred location for developing the city’s visibility and image.