Burkhard Emme, "The Emergence and Significance of the Palaestra Type in Greek Architecture", in: Ulrich Mania and Monika Trümper (Eds.), Development of Gymnasia and Graeco-Roman Cityscapes , Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2018, 143–159

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of palaestrae as a characteristic architectural feature of Greek gymnasia. First, the identification of palaestrae from the archaeological evidence is examined. While gymnasia were identified based on the existence of a peristyle courtyard alone in earlier research, I argue that only the combination of peristyle, exedra and loutron is sufficient evidence for the secure identification of a building as a palaestra. Second, the interrelation of gymnasia and general developments of Greek architecture and urban design are discussed. Since gymnasia were a vital part of urban landscapes from the 4th century BC onwards, the architectural shape of palaestrae is closely related to contemporaneous concepts of diversification of urban space, and social exclusiveness.

Published In

Ulrich Mania and Monika Trümper (Eds.), Development of Gymnasia and Graeco-Roman Cityscapes, Berlin: Edition Topoi, 2018