Life at the Crossroads: How Street Intersections Shaped Roman Socio-Spatial Experience

Street intersections subdivide urban space, enable movement in different directions, shape pedestrian and vehicular traffic flow, focus the attention of passersby, provide a place for social engagement and public display, facilitate commerce, and more. Despite these wide-ranging and significant influences, analysis of the spatial environment surrounding Roman urban street intersections has not been properly considered in academic research. By analysing intersections through relevant Latin vocabulary and textual references, investigating structural remains from Roman urban environments, applying theoretical frameworks from archaeology and modern urban planning and design, and using statistical analysis techniques, this thesis seeks to expand our understanding of socio-spatial use within the Roman urban fabric. Thematic elements explored include commercial, domestic, combined commercial/domestic, recreational, religious, agricultural, public, and administrative uses. Case studies feature the sites of Pompeii and Ostia, evaluating them at the macro- (city-wide) and micro- (individual intersection) levels, including comparative analysis across sites. This research demonstrates how spatial use patterns at street intersections can further inform our understanding of the lived experience in Roman cities.