Leiden University Student Repository

Hovinga, Aukje-Tjitske (2015)

The Middle Roman period: a fruitful phase for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area? A macrobotanical study of the causal factors behind the probable decline in human occupation of the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area between ca. 150 and ca. 350 AD

Master thesis | Archaeology (MA/MSc)

In this thesis, it is examined how the period between ca. 150 and 350 AD is represented in the macrobotanical record of the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. Furthermore, an attempt is made to shed light on the developments which must have led to the assumed demographic decline during this period. This is done by relating the macrobotanical outcome to four prediction models which were based on four existing explanatory theories on the decline, formulated by Groenman-van Waateringe (1983), Roymans and Gerritsen (2002), Slofstra (1991) and Verwers (1998). These scholars disagreed about the exact start and end date of the decline. Although the macrobotanical record does not show an unambiguous chronological overview for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area, most data refer to a gradual start between 150 and 200 AD and an end date around 350 AD. It is revealed that the macrobotanical data lack evidence about essential trends formulated in the prediction models. It was impossible to significantly...Show moreIn this thesis, it is examined how the period between ca. 150 and 350 AD is represented in the macrobotanical record of the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. Furthermore, an attempt is made to shed light on the developments which must have led to the assumed demographic decline during this period. This is done by relating the macrobotanical outcome to four prediction models which were based on four existing explanatory theories on the decline, formulated by Groenman-van Waateringe (1983), Roymans and Gerritsen (2002), Slofstra (1991) and Verwers (1998). These scholars disagreed about the exact start and end date of the decline. Although the macrobotanical record does not show an unambiguous chronological overview for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area, most data refer to a gradual start between 150 and 200 AD and an end date around 350 AD. It is revealed that the macrobotanical data lack evidence about essential trends formulated in the prediction models. It was impossible to significantly enhance or weaken either of the four explanatory theories. However, it is clear that the period between 150 and 350 AD was not a fruitful phase for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. More research and a uniform presentation of results in macrobotanical studies were strongly recommended.Show less

archaeobotany

macrobotany

Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area

Roman period

demographic decline

demography

Author

Hovinga, Aukje-Tjitske

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

MA Archaeology

Supervisors

Fokkens

Language

en