Architecture and Urbanism in Early Byzantine Delphi

Contrary to until recently held views, the city of Delphi did not decline along with its renowned oracle during the early Byzantine period. Although little is known about the city during Roman times, it seems that between the 4th and the 7th century AD Delphi had known a period not only of important economic upheaval, gaining the status of a regional trade and production center of ceramics, but of architectural and urban development as well. The city of the 4th to 6th century AD seems to have grown inside and out of the ancient sanctuary, gradually transforming the ancient shrine into a prosperous city quarter. Private houses and even luxurious villas were erected from the 4th century onwards along with public baths, cisterns and a forum, offering to the increasingly Christian Delphi all the standard elements of a Roman city. Using as point of reference the monumental complex of the so-called Roman Agora and its recently completed architectural study, the paper will explore the question of urban and architectural transformation in Early Byzantine Delphi. Constructed in front of the main, south-east entrance of Apollo's sanctuary, the Roman Agora is one of the most prominent public buildings of the period. The analysis of its architectural configuration, construction techniques and location allows us to further examine how large-scale architectural projects like the one of the Roman Agora were instrumental in reshaping the city’s urban organization and even "relocate" its monumental center. Last but not least, the paper will address questions regarding architectural tradition and innovation as well as questions of imperial interest and interference vis-à-vis the city's Early Byzantine development.