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Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth in Cities of the Decapolis; and the Implications for Modern Cities

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Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth in Cities of the Decapolis; and the Implications for Modern Cities University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ScholarWorks@UARK Theses and Dissertations 5-2021 Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth in Cities of the Decapolis; and the implications for modern cities Wade A. Pierson University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd Part of the Islamic World and Near East History Commons, Near and Middle Eastern Studies Commons, Remote Sensing Commons, Spatial Science Commons, and the Urban Studies and Planning Commons Citation Pierson, W. A. (2021). Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth in Cities of the Decapolis; and the implications for modern cities. Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/ etd/3972 This Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by ScholarWorks@UARK. It has been accepted for inclusion in Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks@UARK. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Spatial Assessment of Urban Growth in Cities of the Decapolis; and the implications for modern cities A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Geography by Wade A. Pierson University of Arkansas Bachelor of Arts in History, International Studies, and Middle Eastern Studies, 2017 May 2021 University of Arkansas This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council. Tom Paradise, Ph.D. Thesis Director Jason Tullis, Ph.D. Rhodora Vennarucci, Ph.D. Committee Member Committee Member Abstract The Levant’s Decapolis was a network of ten cities in Greco-Roman Israel, Jordan, and Syria that established a thriving economic community. The Decapolis was home to ancient and modern cities like Damascus (Dammásq) and Amman (Philadelphia). Despite the various origins of these cities, Roman administration and their city planners oversaw the implementation of idealized Roman city form throughout the region. Three Decapolis cities represent intriguing examples of the larger confederation. Philadelphia (Amman), Gerasa (Jerash), and Gadara (Umm Qais) represent cities of common original urban form which developed drastically diverse urban morphologies over time. Spatial analyses of these cities required working from the modern urban plans to Roman- era morphologies. Project methodology involved the assessment of satellite and flyover imagery for both the modern city structure and the extant ancient city infrastructure and remains. Utilizing remote-sensing applications enabled in-depth analyses of land use and past urban structures. As the older city forms and infrastructure were identified, their reconstructions based on archaeological excavations and historical accounts were crucial. Preliminary results revealed important aspects about the urban form of each city over time. For example, Amman is now completely surrounded by its Roman ruins, radiating from the old Roman center into the large city today, little affected by topography. By the 20 th century, Jerash had enlarged primarily to the east, however, more recently into a distinctive radial pattern. Umm Qais, however, has expanded eastward of its old center in an organic morphology following topography and watercourses. Urban morphometric analysis is vital for explaining and visualizing how Decapolis cities had developed and created powerful links, intertrade routes, and economies – the thrust of this study. Key words: Roman, Urban, Jordan, Development, Remote Sensing Acknowledgements At this time, I would like to thank the University of Arkansas and my committee for the resources and training provided in pursuing this research. First and foremost, my advisor, Dr. Tom Paradise should be thanked for his immense support in guiding my research interests and providing key starting context for the region. I would also like to thank Dr. Jason Tullis for instruction on the understanding, obtainment, and use of geospatial data, such as satellite imagery. Such instruction was crucial for simply displaying otherwise complex data. Finally, I would like to thank Dr. Rhodora Vennarucci for providing input and context for the ancient periods under examination. The Department of Geosciences was also instrumental in directing my study and providing the tools for geospatial evaluation of the study sites. Although travel to Jordan was interrupted by travel restrictions, I would also like to thank the Department of Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Arkansas for attempting to fund my study abroad. Additionally, I would like to thank the department for funding my graduate assistantship at the University of Arkansas. Dedication I dedicate this thesis to the memory of my late grandfather, Harley Dwayne Webb, who supported my interests with unconditional enthusiasm and love. I would also like to thank my parents, Joe Pierson and Sheila Burroughs, for their support during my research. Contents Preface: RESEARCH RESTRICTIONS .................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 2 Chapter 2. LITERATURE REVIEW ....................................................................................... 11 2a. Pre-Modern Works (Pre-WWI): ............................................................................................. 12 2b. Modern Works (Post-WWI): .................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 3. STUDY SITES ......................................................................................................... 49 3a. Physical Landscapes ................................................................................................................ 49 3b. Historical Landscapes ............................................................................................................. 60 Chapter 4. METHODOLOGY .................................................................................................. 97 4a. Past: ....................................................................................................................................... 101 4b. Modern: ................................................................................................................................. 106 Chapter 5. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS ................................................................................ 113 5a. Dimensionality: Scale and Shape .......................................................................................... 113 5b. Morphology: Character of Architecture and Design- ........................................................... 121 5c. Connections: Roads, Travel, and Utilities ............................................................................. 138 5d. Landuse ................................................................................................................................. 148 5e. Demographics ....................................................................................................................... 161 Chapter 6. DISCUSSION ......................................................................................................... 171 6a. Amman/Philadelphia ............................................................................................................. 171 6b. Jerash/Gerasa ........................................................................................................................ 179 6c. Umm Qais/Gadara ................................................................................................................. 188 Chapter 7. CONCLUSIONS and IMPLICATIONS ............................................................. 196 Chapter 8. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 204 Chapter 9. APPENDIX ............................................................................................................. 226 Preface: RESEARCH RESTRICTIONS Analyzing these three cities has been a difficult but intriguing task. A primary note must include that studying these ancient sites, in person, was not possible due to ongoing travel restrictions associated with the COVID-19 global pandemic. Plans had been made to visit each site to obtain a better knowledge of their character and development. Once conditions have resettled, it is my hope to visit these cities in Jordan. Moreover, if future research is pursued, multiple paths could be taken. More extensive research on these particular cities could glean more information with increased technical capabilities and context. It should also be noted that some areas of time and space for these cities are relatively unknown. As technology improves and archaeological excavations uncover more information, these cities could be re-examined to verify/criticize aspects of this approach. Another approach could include taking a similar methodological approach and apply it to other sites. The application of this approach to other regions within the Decapolis or in the Roman East immediately comes to mind. Portions of the Decapolis in Israel/Palestine or Syria could allow for a more general understanding of the ancient federation. Additionally, these cities would provide more data points for the understanding of modern city development throughout the Levant. 1 Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION In the modern world, ours is increasingly an urban world. In 1950, less than one- third of the world’s
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