THE EVOLUTION OF MARKET SPACES: FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE MIDDLE AGES

Abstract

The article is devoted to the study of the genesis and evolution of market spaces as important elements of the urban environment and factors of urban development. The paper examines the peculiarities of market formation in the ancient civilizations of India, China, Ancient Greece, and Ancient Rome, analyzes their spatial planning structures, functional organization, and role in the socio-economic life of cities. Particular attention is paid to the influence of the Silk Road on the development of trade relations between East and West and the dissemination of market models across the Eurasian region. Purpose. The purpose of the study is to analyze the historical prerequisites for the emergence and development of market spaces in the civilizations of India, China, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, and Kyivan Rus, as well as to identify patterns in the formation of their planning structures and the influence of international trade routes on urban development. Research methods. The study employs historical-comparative, systemic, typological, and historical-urban planning methods. The analysis is based on the examination of archaeological, historical, and architectural-urban planning sources related to the development of market spaces in various civilizations. Results. The study establishes that the development of market spaces was determined by the socio-economic and cultural characteristics of each civilization. The main types of market planning structures were identified: linear-block structure (India), regular block structure (China), centralized structure (Greece), forumcomplex structure (Rome), and areal-linear structure (Kyivan Rus). The role of the Silk Road as a factor integrating local markets into the international trading system was determined. The significance of markets as city-forming elements influencing the development of transport infrastructure, public spaces, and the functional structure of cities is substantiated. Conclusions. The evolution of market spaces demonstrates a gradual transition from local exchange areas to complex multifunctional commercial centers. Despite regional differences, markets acted as important drivers of urbanization, international trade development, and urban environment formation. The historical experience of organizing market spaces remains relevant for contemporary archit ectural and urban planning practice