Settlements and settlement patterns in Ptolemaic and Roman Thebes

Abstract

The paper aims to focus on the main centres of settlement on both the East and West bank of the Theban region in Ptolemaic and Roman times (extending into later periods when needed) and present their layout, location and characteristics. It further aims to determine if Thebes can still be considered a city at that time or if the city suffered a steep decline and it's nothing more than a loose cluster of rural type settlements, as can be read in works of classical authors. Key words: Ptolemaic Egypt, Roman Egypt, Thebes, Settlement and settlement patterns, Karnak, Diospolis Magna, Luxor, Jeme, Medinet Habu