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Prokops De Ædificiis, Buch V, zu Kleinasien

2000; Brepols; Volume: 8; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1484/j.at.2.300690

2295-9718

Klaus Belke,

Archaeology and Historical Studies

Book V, 1–5 of De ædificiis concerns Asia Minor; here Procopius praises Justinian for having built churches (such as St. John’s Basilica near Ephesus), fortifications of cities, aqueducts and various kinds of public buildings within the cities. Special stress is laid on improvement of roads and bridges (especially along the so-called Pilgrim’s Road from Constantinople to Syria) as well as facilities (inns) for the cursus publicus. Palaces in some cities not too far away from the capital were probably intended for the exclusive use of the Imperial family. From the parallel information on building a bridge near Sykeon in the life of St. Theodore of Sykeon, a closer dating of the birth of this Saint seems to be possible. Much of Procopius’ information is verifiable from other literary sources and/or archaeological investigations. Even where there is no independent confirmation (e. g. for the granary of Tenedos), Justinian is very likely to have been responsible. However, one has to bear in mind that some of the building activities Procopius ascribes to Justinian exclusively had – probably or certainly – already been begun by Anastasius or Justin I.