Flora Jane Steele McDougall

• BA (Hons) Ancient History & Archaeology
• Investigating the ancient urban planning of modern Istanbul

I will research how Greco-Roman urban planning and later changes shaped modern Istanbul (Constantinople) through library research and visits. I will take a post-colonial approach to consider why Byzantine and Islamic urban planning designs have been side-lined at the expense of the classical and look at how they have impacted on the city.

Since ancient Constantinople lies beneath modern Istanbul, I will also aim to make comparisons with cities that have been left relatively untouched. I will visit e.g. Ephesus and Aphrodisias to understand their layouts, design and architecture to compare Constantinople with other major cities of coastal Asia Minor.

Project Supervisor: Dr Mark Jackson, School of History, Classics & Archaeology

Funding Source: Newcastle University