Thessaloniki: The Hellenistic grid

Thessaloniki: The Hellenistic grid

The isotropic grid of the classic polis was built on the –practical as well as conceptual- hippodamian grid, with via Egnatia as the basic structuring element. The grid reflecting the geometric and philosophic approach of the Pythagoreans, produced a -spatial- symmetry that reflected the –social- isonomia. The grid was still relevant during the roman Empire not as a symbol of isonomia anymore, but as limitless infrastructure that served the expansionist aspirations of the Roman Empire. The classic grid of the polis, although dislocated from its philosophical and political connotations was retrofitted to a grid-as infrastructure for the Romans.

Dimitris Venizelos

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