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Arts & Communication Constructing the image of ancient cities

Figure 17. The distribution of discovered libraries and archives so far in the city of Ugarit. The drawing was prepared by the author using AutoCAD
software based on topographic information, archeological reports, and the author’s field analysis and observation in 2013

their architecture, which follow its purpose, I believe that be narrated by the materialistic dimension of the city of
the other gates would have been much simpler in terms of Ugarit (the ruined urban fabric).
construction and monumental quality. The findings and The organic urban structure that characterizes the city
interpretations of the southern gate and its timber bridge of Ugarit contributed to social connection and comfortable
support this interpretation. traffic across the city and facilitated an intimate urban
The topography and morphology of the city contribute environment for the communities. This is an important
to its overall image too. The palace-temple relationship dimension of the internal image of the city. The ruins of Ugarit
is one of the key features that contribute to the city’s showcase this urban structure and its development between
identity. The strong urban connection between these the Middle and Late Bronze Age periods where new urban
two dominant sites in the city does not only reflects the components (plazas, wide streets, etc.) were used in later
urban quality but also accommodates intangible (cultural, stages of the city’s life (Figure 18). What characterizes these
social, ritual, and religious) dimensions that communicate urban structures is the existence of residential, professional,
the story of development, conflict, and survival between and cultural/religious functions all together in well-planned
these two powerful components of Ugaritic people’s life urban agglomerations that guarantee the privacy of each
and place. This further highlights the special story that can function but with smooth circulation and connections.

Volume 3 Issue 2 (2025) 18 doi: 10.36922/ac.4239