Desenhar a Ruína: registo, interpretação e comunicação. O exemplo da cidade romana de Ebora

Abstract

This research aims to develop a drawing methodology that explores different types of representation - recording, interpretation and communication - of the archaeological vestiges. In order to test this methodology, we used the study and analysis of the old civitas Liberalitas Julia Ebora (Évora) located in the western province of the Roman Empire, in the Conventus Pacensis (Portugal). By interpreting this example's archaeological structures, especially those associated with the monumental complex, the Roman forum, so that its reconstitution could be perceived. This process has been systematized into three fundamental parts: recognition, sources, and testing: Recognition was carried out at two levels. The first, corresponds to the architectural survey (plan, sections and elevations) of the current city buildings, particularly those located around the temple. The second, corresponds to the entire survey and record, in drawing, of the archaeological structures found in the city, mainly in the intramural area, based on the excavation reports and on the assessment in situ. This recognition process is, whenever possible, based on other examples of classical architecture, found mainly in Hispania. The sources, organized in the second part, comprised the entire historical-architectonic study carried out from historical sources (documentary and iconographic). These sources serve as a basis for reconstructing the evolution of the Roman temple building from the 15th century to the 19th century, considering a drawing of the building dated from the 19th century (before being cleared out). The study extends to the surrounding buildings, namely the Inquisition Palace and the Archiepiscopal Palace (Évora Museum). Finally, the study looks for an hypothetical layout of the Roman forum. This interpretation is based on archaeological and architectural records as well as on historical sources. However, for the reconstruction of the entire complex, it was also necessary to find the classical architecture references. For this process, models from other cities in Hispania were used, mainly due to the geographical proximity and to the sharing of references/resources that these cities certainly had. This essay concludes with a brief epilogue where a (possible) layout of the city is proposed. Far from presenting certainties, the conclusion raises out doubts and questions about a possible image of the Roman city, opening the path for further discussion With this drawing laboratory, we sought to objectify the reconstitution of a fragment of this city, following a transversal reading of the trace. The aim was to demonstrate a process to reach an hypothesis. In other words, a process involving the accurate design of structures, sustained on archaeological and architectural records, valuing the historical study of the building and of the urban space where the structures are located, and by taking the risk of presenting an hypothesis based on classical models from the provinces that share similar culture and conditions. This research reflects a possible contribution architecture may give to archaeology, in the sense that it may contribute to increase the knowledge about the Roman city, being the drawing the singular strategy to approach the fragment, as it allows its evocation and materialization.