Living with Water: An archaeological perspective on the development of water management practices and ideas in the central Rhine-Meuse delta of the Netherlands during the late medieval period

During the late medieval period, the Rhine-Meuse delta experienced many dynamic interactions between floods and the people inhabiting it. This thesis explores the impact of floods on this region, focusing on water management-related objects and their implications for the people of the past and future, primarily through archaeological data. However, data and methodologies from other disciplines were also vital to this research. Impactful late medieval floods in the Rhine-Meuse delta are well documented, with many (primary) sources referencing them. While less numerous, archaeological findings related to these floods are extremely valuable. Through the databases of Archis and DANS, archaeological complexes associated with flood protection measures in the delta during the late medieval period were discovered and analysed. This analysis revealed an unequal distribution of archaeological research and highlighted a sizable gap in data concerning the historical evolution of water...Show moreDuring the late medieval period, the Rhine-Meuse delta experienced many dynamic interactions between floods and the people inhabiting it. This thesis explores the impact of floods on this region, focusing on water management-related objects and their implications for the people of the past and future, primarily through archaeological data. However, data and methodologies from other disciplines were also vital to this research. Impactful late medieval floods in the Rhine-Meuse delta are well documented, with many (primary) sources referencing them. While less numerous, archaeological findings related to these floods are extremely valuable. Through the databases of Archis and DANS, archaeological complexes associated with flood protection measures in the delta during the late medieval period were discovered and analysed. This analysis revealed an unequal distribution of archaeological research and highlighted a sizable gap in data concerning the historical evolution of water management-related objects. Late medieval floods also had a profound impact on the Dutch cultural landscape, both directly and indirectly, through the implementation of various control measures. The socioeconomic impacts of these floods played a big part in changing the Dutch cultural, military-strategic, and political landscape. During this period, water management-related objects became increasingly more advanced, with the establishment and professionalisation of water boards and the general improvements in building techniques. The archaeological record shows that these general improvements are indeed present but were more nuanced. Understanding the successes and failures of late medieval water management-related objects provides a history of contemporary water management challenges. After all, climate change during the late medieval period already impacted the water management-related objects of the delta. By integrating (medieval) ideas and innovating through experimentation and a multidisciplinary approach, it is possible to deduce past floods' effects to inform climate change policies. This thesis resulted in an overview of the current knowledge regarding water management in the late medieval Rhine-Meuse delta, with an analysis of the implementations of past approaches and ideas linked to climate change. These results can be used as a starting point for new research. They can also offer insights for policymakers and other stakeholders in debates surrounding water management and climate change. Additionally, this thesis outlines potential focus areas for archaeologists investigating late medieval floods in the region, which can enhance the understanding of water management objects from this period and beyond.Show less

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Living with Water: An archaeological perspective on the development of water management practices and ideas in the central Rhine-Meuse delta of the Netherlands during the late medieval period