The new DFG and ANR-funded project “Geiton – Neighbourhood Dynamics in the Megapolis of Miletus”, led by Christof Berns (UHH) and Julien Zurbach (ENS Paris), will investigate the complex social dynamics of an ancient neighborhood. The recently approved project follows on directly from the previous project “Forms of Life in the Megapolis – Miletus in the Longue Durée” (MegaMil for short) and will be carried out between 2025 and 2028. After MegaMil has already made the successive construction and urban development of various neighborhoods within the city area comprehensible, Geiton is investigating the actors behind these processes. The aim is to reconstruct the complex social structures and dynamics within a metropolitan neighborhood. In particular, social contact zones such as stores, entrance areas and other so-called shared spaces are examined with the help of a broad archaeological toolbox.
As an ancient city with long-term urban development, Miletus represents an interesting case study within social archaeology and can significantly expand our knowledge of ancient neighborhoods on a social level.
