This thesis investigates the application of computational methods in landscape archaeology, focusing on the Early Iron Age path network of Central Crete, particularly in the key sites of Lyktos,...Show moreThis thesis investigates the application of computational methods in landscape archaeology, focusing on the Early Iron Age path network of Central Crete, particularly in the key sites of Lyktos, Hersonissos, and other secondary ones in the same area. It addresses key methodological and theoretical issues by employing the Python programming language for geospatial analysis and incorporating phenomenological perspectives to enhance understanding of ancient human-environment interactions. Recent advancements in Landscape Archaeology have been significantly influenced by phenomenological approaches introduced by scholars like Tilley and Ingold, who influenced by the philosophers of phenomenology redefined the term “landscape” by emphasizing the embodied and experiential aspects of it. Based on their work, archaeologists like Llobera and Wheatley challenged the quantitative treatment of landscapes and further explored the dynamic relationship between humans and their environments, highlighting the importance of movement and perception in landscape archaeology. Geographic Information Systems have been instrumental in landscape studies, but often reduce landscapes to static and quantitative data. This thesis critiques these limitations and proposes a novel methodological framework using Python for Least Cost Path analysis. This approach offers greater flexibility and insight into the computational processes behind geospatial analysis, addressing issues of conventional GIS tools by providing a detailed and customizable examination of movement patterns. The main research questions are if Python-based LCP analysis can produce results comparable to those from traditional tools like QGIS and if this computational approach, enhanced by phenomenological perspectives can offer deeper insights into the social and path network of Early Iron Age Crete. The findings reveal that Python is a robust tool for geospatial analysis, producing results similar to QGIS while offering enhanced flexibility and detailed examination of computational processes. This methodology highlights the importance of understanding the underlying processes behind geospatial tools and demonstrates Python’s potential for archaeological research. By integrating phenomenological ideas, this thesis interprets the computational results within a broader archaeological context. This approach considers different parameters of how ancient people might have perceived and navigated their surrounding landscape. The analysis uncovers a potential socio-cultural network in Central Crete, with modeled paths suggesting continuity with the earlier Minoan path network of the area and offering insights into connectivity and movement patterns of the Early Iron Age. Overall, this research shows that Python-based methods provide a valuable alternative methodology to traditional GIS and a nuanced understanding of ancient human-landscape interactions.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
The rural world and farming activities were a crucial part of Roman life. The majority of the Roman population was in some way involved in agriculture, meaning that socio-economic developments...Show moreThe rural world and farming activities were a crucial part of Roman life. The majority of the Roman population was in some way involved in agriculture, meaning that socio-economic developments depended for a large part on what happened in the countryside, away from city life. Much of what we know about the rural world is based on information gathered during archaeological surveying. Over the years, incredible amounts of data have been gathered in this way. However, older projects suffer from issues in consistency and representability. As a result, they are often disregarded in the current academic climate. Nevertheless, much information can still be inferred from this older data, also known as legacy survey data. This research studied the organisation of the rural world through legacy survey data on the hand of the Biferno Valley. This region in central-eastern Italy saw much surveying. The Biferno Valley survey charted many sites in the period of activity, from the 1970s through the 1990s, but suffered from the same problems mentioned above. Therefore, it forms the perfect case-study for this research. Through the application of a theory-based sequence of predictive modelling, this legacy survey data was used to gain new insights into the Roman rural world. Firstly, ancient literature and other research were used to build hypotheses on the locations of rural farms and villas. These hypotheses were subsequently tested through the archaeological data gathered in the Biferno Valley Survey. Influential variables were assessed and combined into a model which visualises the probability of site presence. Four maps were created in this way, representing two main site types, farms and villas, in two time frames, the Roman Republican and Imperial periods. Results were statistically tested through the legacy survey data. As such, this data functioned as a validation tool for the study of the Roman past. The models were adjusted until each map represented the probability of site presence with significant accuracy. The results allowed for a reconstruction of the Roman rural world, which gives an indication as to how Roman agriculture was organised. It was found that the impact of most variables fell within expectations. Logically, steep slopes and areas of high elevation were avoided. Locations near waterways, roads and towns were preferred. Especially in the Imperial period, roads and towns must have been a great force of attraction, especially for villas. Two variables mainly deviated in practice from what was expected. The types of soils that seem to have been preferred point towards a high degree of cash crop cultivation. Similarly, the fact that south-facing slopes were not as popular as initially hypothesised indicates the same thing. It is possible that a large degree of crop rotation was in part responsible for these findings, although this cannot be said with certainty. Regardless, results indicate that the Biferno Valley must have had a strong reliance on trade over larger distances. Cash crops could be exported, whilst imported cereals fed the region’s urban population. Within the research area itself, strong spatial and social relations must have existed between owners of farms and villas. This all points towards a highly interconnected Roman rural world. These results thus show that significant gains can be made from the usage of legacy survey data in modern archaeology.Show less
This research aims to study the trade networks of the Roman period in three different Italian regions: the Pontine region, the Potenza valley and the Metapontine region. A database was created...Show moreThis research aims to study the trade networks of the Roman period in three different Italian regions: the Pontine region, the Potenza valley and the Metapontine region. A database was created previously, consisting of the compiled data on ceramics sherds encountered during three surveys in each respective region. Assessing where these ceramics were produced, and how the different provenances are distributed throughout the landscape, gives insight into how the regions connected to trade routes, and how ceramics imported along these routes were distributed throughout the landscape. To this end, the proportions of ceramic provenances were visualised for each region and subsequently broken down for the Archaic, Republican, Imperial and Late Antique periods. The patterns observed in provenance proportions and sherd distributions across regions suggest that different regions were affected differently by the changes associated with the increased integration of the Roman economy in the Imperial Period. These changes appear to be reflected in the increased consumption of imported African ceramics. This is in contrast to more locally produced Italian sherds, which maintain a more consistent presence. These trends can be observed to a certain degree in all regions, although the changes are particularly pronounced in the Pontine region. These results lead to the following tentative theory: the Pontine region, as a more centrally located destination, was better connected to more distant trade routes, and thus affected more readily by the large-scale societal and political shifts of the Imperial period. Another notable observation is the increased variance in sherds provenances in the Potenza valley as compared to the Pontine region. This could be potentially explained by the theory that the Potenza valley, as a more isolated and decentral region, relied more on more “off the cuff” trade, while the Pontine region relied more on centrally organised, “streamlined” trade networks. Finally, ceramics imported from outside the Italian peninsula tended to be found at or near the coast in all regions, indicating that ceramics traded along more distant routes were exchanged less in intraregional networks extending further inland. Despite multiple weaknesses, which were mainly related to the necessary standardisation of the database and the resulting loss of detail, this research has granted new insight into the discussion around the degree of integration in the Roman economy and paints a more nuanced image that differs from region to region.Show less
The castle of Psachna on Euboea has been surveyed for the first time by the team of the Hinterland of Medieval Chalkida project (HMC project). Large amounts of ceramic material have been collected...Show moreThe castle of Psachna on Euboea has been surveyed for the first time by the team of the Hinterland of Medieval Chalkida project (HMC project). Large amounts of ceramic material have been collected by means of an intensive survey. Most of the material is of Late Byzantine origin, likely originating from the city of Chalcis, in that time known as Negroponte. The region featured a feudal system with similar castles functioning as feudal strongholds for local lords, which could potentially provide a motive for habitation at the time. Three main categories which exist within this dataset are mapped in GIS: Tiles, non-diagnostic, and diagnostic ceramics. A number of sub-categories resulting from the processing of the diagnostic sherds, such as tableware and amphorae sherds among others, are similarly mapped. GIS mapping and analysis of the collected ceramics is used for the first time on the data, to gain an understanding of the distribution and to identify potential patterns in the pottery dispersal. The type of GIS maps constructed are thematic maps. Within said maps, values are translated into color codes which correspond to certain coded categories. These are designed to represent groupings of grid squares with similar weight values. Behind the implementation of the groupings lies the reasoning that reducing the number of total categories leads to reduced visual clutter on the maps, caused by less color values being displayed. Additionally, the analytical potential is expanded upon by making the maps more convenient. From the maps arises an image of the distribution of the ceramic material following a certain pattern. The southern/eastern band of the plateau features a high concentration of ceramic sherds, small in size. Here, certain areas feature a dense concentration of material which is true for every category of material. The northwestern part of the plateau features few sherds which are substantially larger. By calculating the average weight of ceramic sherds per area, a potential pattern of erosion can be seen. Smaller sherds are carried down the slope and accumulate in large numbers. Larger fragments are caught behind debris and remain there. Further research into the soil structure could help to further understand this pattern.Show less
This thesis aims to assess the risks of the consequences of climate change for the preservation of the archaeological remains of Roman maritime villas (ca. 200 BC-500 AD) on the coast of South...Show moreThis thesis aims to assess the risks of the consequences of climate change for the preservation of the archaeological remains of Roman maritime villas (ca. 200 BC-500 AD) on the coast of South-Latium, Italy and the surrounding cultural landscape. This will be done using the relatively new methodology “Cultural Vulnerability Index”(CVI) tool for heritage which is a valuesbased, rapid risk-assessment methodology developed for cultural and natural world-heritage (Day et al., 2019, p. 5). The CVI assessment first evaluates which key values are relevant forthe heritage, and after, how these values will be affected by different climate hazards. After which, the adaptive capacity of the community is taken into account, to better assess, what the impact on the community will be. The final outcome is a three point scale judgement of the vulnerability of the heritage values to the relevant climate hazards. The main advantages of the CVI methodology is that it balancesscience and practice into one structured and rapid methodology. The methodology is adjusted to fit the current study which assesses non-world heritage sites. Moreover, the current study is performed fully remotely using a spatial, GIS-based risk-assessment model as input for the CVI assessment. The model operates for different climate hazards, on different scales, for a rapid assessment. Because of its layered character, it can be easily adjusted to fit additional climate hazards or wider scales and other research areas. The model is constructed using only open data and open software. The risk-assessment model shows that even in a low-impact future climate scenarios, different climate hazards pose a serious threat to the Roman maritime villas. The CVI assessment shows that the key values of the heritage are highly vulnerable for climate hazards that are relevant for the study area. This study has shown that the CVI methodology can also be applied to non-world heritage sites. It has also shown that the CVI assessment can be carried out remotely, using a riskassessment model. The risk-assessment model can be complementary to the CVI-assessment as it provides better insight into the future course of climate hazards A limitation of the remote CVI assessment is that it affords a less detailed picture of the current state of the heritage. Finally, this study’s result reflect positively on the developments within the open science movement, proving that open data and open software can fruitfully be employed for heritage management.Show less
Oud-Leusden, near Amersfoort in the Netherlands, was the site of large-scale excavations in 1983 and 1984. Almost 40 years later, in 2021-2022, the excavation drawings of Oud-Leusden have been...Show moreOud-Leusden, near Amersfoort in the Netherlands, was the site of large-scale excavations in 1983 and 1984. Almost 40 years later, in 2021-2022, the excavation drawings of Oud-Leusden have been digitised and compiled into a GIS model containing all 45 trenches. This workflow is compared to other methods of analysing paper drawings, namely generating vector images or direct analysis of the paper maps. Nevertheless, GIS is decidedly the most advantageous method for this case study. This digital map therefore forms the basis of this research into Early and Central Medieval building ground plans of houses. Various GIS operations are used to uncover these Medieval structures from the trench drawings, which could then be further developed into technical drawings as defined by Theuws in 2014. In total, eight Medieval house structures were discovered, of which three could be elaborated as technical drawings. These drawings allowed for an in-depth analysis of their typology and construction. One structure (S34) showed strong similarities to type H2 of the South-Netherlands as defined by Huijbers (2014) and type Gasselte B of the North-Eastern Netherlands as defined by Waterbolk (2009). When also taking into account the accompanying finds, this would date the structure to between the mid-10th to 13th century. The second structure (S36) also bears a strong similarity to type Gasselte B and could be dated to between the 11th and 14th century. The third and last structure (S39) appeared to be resemble an intermediate type between Gasselte A and B, with a shape that conforms to type A and a size that conforms to type B. The date of construction is expected to be between the 10th and 13th century. From this typological comparison it can be concluded that the structures at Oud-Leusden show a strong similarity to those of the North-Eastern Netherlands, indicating a certain degree of cultural exchange. Lastly, a theory was proposed that suggests the roof-carrying uprights of one of the structures (S36) were set out using a rope between the outer uprights and intervals were measured on the rope using feet. By pulling the slackened line taut at these intervals a curved row was created, which forms the basis of the Medieval boat-shaped houses. By generating different measurement drawings that demonstrated regularities in the distances between the posts, evidence could be generated to support this theory.Show less
In this research the location of Merovingian cemeteries in the landscape of Northern Gaul is studied using GIS. While Merovingian cemeteries have been studied for over a century, most studies have...Show moreIn this research the location of Merovingian cemeteries in the landscape of Northern Gaul is studied using GIS. While Merovingian cemeteries have been studied for over a century, most studies have focused on the grave goods found in the graves, while little research has been done on the location of the cemeteries. The locations of cemeteries are often explained by very rational or economic reasonings, which state that cemeteries were located on land that was unsuitable for agriculture. However, the locations of cemeteries were likely the result of deliberate choices. The grave goods in graves and other parts of the burial ritual indicate the importance of the ritual, and the burial location will have been just as important as the other parts of the ritual, if not even more important. In this thesis, the locations of 190 Merovingian cemeteries are analysed in Geographical Information Systems (GIS), using three different variables: slope, aspect and (relative) elevation. The comparison of these variables for each cemetery gives a general idea of the location characteristics of Merovingian cemeteries. By using accurately dated cemeteries for the analyses, it is also possible to see changes in the location characteristics through time and between different parts of the Merovingian period. The results of the analyses are in line with earlier research on the locations of Merovingian cemeteries. They show that Merovingian cemeteries are generally located on gentle slopes, with no clear preference for a certain direction. However, the cemeteries that are located on steeper slopes, are more often found on south-facing slopes. Furthermore, most cemeteries are found at medium elevations, neither at the highest, nor at the lowest elevations in their surroundings. Through time, lower elevations seem to have become more suitable for cemeteries, as a larger proportion of the cemeteries is located at low elevations during the later periods. The research presented in this thesis shows the potential of using GIS-based methods to analyse the location of Merovingian cemeteries. The results are coherent with the findings from earlier studies, while also showing indications for the changes that took place during the Merovingian Period. All in all, this study can form a starting point for further GIS-based analyses of Merovingian cemetery locations, which could be improved by including more cemetery sites, and incorporating many more additional variables into the analyses.Show less
In Liébana, an area in Northern Spain, one can identify fourteen (14) early medieval fortifications. Each of these fourteen fortifications can be found on high altitude locations. Current research...Show moreIn Liébana, an area in Northern Spain, one can identify fourteen (14) early medieval fortifications. Each of these fourteen fortifications can be found on high altitude locations. Current research emphasises that visibility from and between these fourteen fortifications is an important aspect. However, no methodological study has been done previously to substantiate visibility as a key characteristics of the fortifications. This research therefore aims to establish an overview of the visibility of the fortifications to create more insight in their use and function in the early medieval society of Liébana. The research makes use of GIS to examine the extend and characteristics of visibility methodologically by creating different viewsheds and an intervisibility network. In order to make this work, a DEM file is created to and coordinates of the fortifications are established. The results of this research are presented in maps. The maps indicate that fortifications were visible throughout the landscape whilst the fortifications could at the same time actively control the main access points into Liébana. The results presented in the maps in addition show how the fortifications could visually communicate under varying circumstances throughout Liébana. This research therefore shows that visibility is indeed a key characteristic of the high altitude fortificationsShow less
Survey archaeology has often been used to study processes of urbanization and centralization in Roman Italy. Yet, most of the research on this topic has focussed on regional patterns, without...Show moreSurvey archaeology has often been used to study processes of urbanization and centralization in Roman Italy. Yet, most of the research on this topic has focussed on regional patterns, without comparing data from multiple survey projects. In this thesis, I present my research in which I look into survey data from two Italian regions: the Biferno Valley and the Metaponto region. With the help of Tymon de Haas’ Access database on survey projects in Italy, I mapped out rural settlements in order to gain understanding in their distribution patterns in Roman Imperial times and why they occurred. Through spatial analyses, such as the distance to nearest hub and cluster analysis, in combination with statistical tests, like the Monte-Carlo simulation and chi-square test, I was able to find spatial patterns in the distribution of rural settlements in the two research areas. I found that rural sites in the Biferno Valley clustered closely around roads and cities. In the Metaponto region, rural sites were also nearby major roads, but showed no attraction to urban centres. I argue that this difference is a result of various local circumstances. Socio-political processes in the past, terrain and agricultural strategies all influenced where rural sites continued to be occupied. These results show that the Roman agricultural economy was a patchwork of regions with their own approach to agriculture. In doing so, this research stresses how beneficial comparative studies are for our understanding of the Roman agricultural economy.Show less
Bachelor thesis | Liberal Arts and Sciences: Global Challenges (LUC) (BA/BSc)
closed access
Over the next century, effects of climate change are expected to increase. Especially in cities, with high population densities, these effects can be magnified. Two of the most pressing issues in...Show moreOver the next century, effects of climate change are expected to increase. Especially in cities, with high population densities, these effects can be magnified. Two of the most pressing issues in cities are: 1) increasing temperatures and the urban heat island effect, resulting in thermal discomfort for citizens and thermal stress on the environment and 2) biodiversity loss, due to urbanisation, which fragments natural habitat and disrupts ecosystems. Key to mitigating these issue in cities are greenspaces, which can cool temperatures and support biodiversity. This paper examines how spatial characteristics of tree-based greenspaces affect cooling, and relates this to ecological connectivity, using The Hague as a case study. A preliminary spatial data analysis of the greenspace cooling effect was done using remote sensing based on Landsat satellite imagery using a Geographic Information System, and further analysed with multivariate regression. The analysis of connectivity was done using Fragstats software. The results indicated that the Greenspace Cooling Island effect does occur in The Hague and that the area of the greenspace, area-perimeter ratio of the nearest neighbouring greenspace and the distance to the nearest neighbouring greenspace can explain the temperature reduction (TA). The cooling range (GR) could not be explained by any of the spatial characteristics. Regarding connectivity, street trees exhibited a higher degree of connectivity, whereas forest was more aggregated. Together, this suggests that smaller, closer tree-based greenspaces can lead to more temperature reduction in a city, but that enlarging greenspaces can also have a similar same effect. The findings of this research form a first step for the assessment of GCI in Dutch cities and can be build upon for further research that can be applied to urban planning to develop greenspaces in cities in the face of climate change.Show less
In this thesis, the potential of archaeological predictive modelling within England’s Archaeological Heritage Management (AHM) system is assessed through the case study of Roman-age Hertfordshire,...Show moreIn this thesis, the potential of archaeological predictive modelling within England’s Archaeological Heritage Management (AHM) system is assessed through the case study of Roman-age Hertfordshire, in south-east England. The case study involves the creation of an archaeological predictive model from the bottom-up, using only open-access data. An assessment is also made on the quality of the open-access digital infrastructure within England, as well as on the knowledge that can be gained from the creation and product of the model. A detailed description of the collected data provides information about the environment (elevation, soil, geology, hydrogeology and river system), the social aspects of the landscape (Roman road network and towns) in addition to the modern-day factors which impact planning permissions (land-use, modern roads, protected areas and scheduled monuments). The quality of the environmental data is evaluated for its applicability to the Roman landscape in Hertfordshire. Archaeological site data (n = 4358), provided by the Archaeological Data Service (ADS), is categorised into site types (settlements, economic, ritual, military, water sources and miscellaneous). The representability of the archaeological data is evaluated for potential observational biases. The Roman Hertfordshire predictive model is created using deductive techniques (weighted multi-criteria analysis) and an inductive technique (site density). The final product predicts five areas of archaeological potential within Roman Hertfordshire, ranging from ‘Very High’ to ‘Very Low’. The model is evaluated for its predictive abilities by an unused testing sample of archaeological sites. The accuracy and precision of the model’s predictions are tested using Kvamme’s Gain equation, producing a high-yielding score of 0.72. The applications of the Roman Hertfordshire predictive model are discussed in the context of its uses within the modern development process. Proximity-based analysis of the different site types is explored in regards to water sources, Roman roads and Verulamium (St. Albans). The elevation of different site types are also analysed.Show less
The use of computer applications has irrevocably changed the way archaeology is done, as well as redefined what it means to do “good” archaeology. This has brought about numerous methodological...Show moreThe use of computer applications has irrevocably changed the way archaeology is done, as well as redefined what it means to do “good” archaeology. This has brought about numerous methodological questions concerning the use of data, data sources, and the software used in analyses. This thesis seeks to explore some of these issues, including the re-use or borrowing of data, open source data, and the use of FOSS programs within archaeology. In order to answer these questions, the spatial relationship between the terraces in the Swiss Alps was investigated. The study area is located in the area surrounding (and including) Ramosch in the Lower Engadine, Switzerland. These terraces have been in use since at least the Middle Ages, and could potentially date to the Bronze Age. The terraces were documented based on remote sensing data and digitized in QGIS 1.8. The spatial relationship of the terraces is primarily determined by the viability of the land for agriculture (soil composition and sunlight), followed by the distance from modern settlements, modern features in the landscape (i.e. buildings, roads, and waterways), and access to water. This research shows that it is possible to do archaeological research by recycling data from third-party sources. All of the data used in this project was obtained for no cost. The spatial resolution of the general-purpose data and recycled data was more than adequate and the lack of metadata was not a major obstacle. The largest hindrance with using data collected by others for an alternative purpose is finding the right data and gaining access to this data. The processes of understanding the data without metadata can be completed by comparing the unknown datasets to those that are known. The use of FOSS programs is extremely beneficial. The low cost, easy accessibility and large online communities have helped the FOSS movement to thrive. The ability to share information unhindered by licensing and terms and conditions promotes the continuation of accessible research. However, FOSS is not inherently better than proprietary software. The primary requirement for the use of a program should be its ability to perform all the required functions necessary for good research. Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
closed access
Aguas Buenas is a site containing mounds and rock carvings in central Nicaragua. There are 371 mounds situated over a 28-hectare area with a complicated topography in a semi-geometrical pattern....Show moreAguas Buenas is a site containing mounds and rock carvings in central Nicaragua. There are 371 mounds situated over a 28-hectare area with a complicated topography in a semi-geometrical pattern. Thus far, the use, precise dating and the means of the site’s construction are known. However, in this thesis it is argued that it is a monumental site. This thesis presents the result of six months of fieldwork in Aguas Buenas, methodology, and results of the site survey and advanced mapping process, leading to the development of a Digital Elevation Model of the site and site feature databases. By applying a GIS-based methodology and the principles of phenomenology, and analysing the results in the context of the contemporary discussion on monumentality, several questions related to the building processes at Aguas Buenas and the experiences at the site are addressed. Areas that present a different spatial logic are offered, suggesting the site’s development and use in phases.Show less
De sociaal-economische geschiedenis van laatmiddeleeuws Friesland kent twee klassieke problemen: de oorsprong en het karakter van de lokale elite, de hoofdelingen, en de economische positie en...Show moreDe sociaal-economische geschiedenis van laatmiddeleeuws Friesland kent twee klassieke problemen: de oorsprong en het karakter van de lokale elite, de hoofdelingen, en de economische positie en sociale relevantie van vrije boeren, de eigenerfden, die een laag onder deze hoofdelingen vormden. De hoofdelingen zijn in de Friese historiografie nog altijd het onderwerp van een langdurig debat. De eigenerfden worden in de literatuur wel genoemd maar zijn nooit grondig onderzocht. Deze scriptie onderzoekt de gelaagdheid van deze samenleving door gebruik te maken van een fiscale grondboekhouding uit 1511, die voor dit doel is omgezet in een ruimtelijke database. Met gebruik van een Geografische Informatiesysteem (GIS) en genoemde grondboekhouding wordt in twee zorgvuldig geselecteerde gebieden het bezit van beide groepen gereconstrueerd. Vervolgens wordt gekeken wat deze reconstructie duidelijk maakt over de positie van hoofdelingen en eigenerfden.Show less
The rural settlements of the Roman Somme (Northern France) are poorly understood in terms of site location. Although the physical landscape of the area is rather smooth, local variations influence...Show moreThe rural settlements of the Roman Somme (Northern France) are poorly understood in terms of site location. Although the physical landscape of the area is rather smooth, local variations influence the distribution of sites. Furthermore, the socio-economic context around Roman farms plays an important part in human behaviours of settlement creation. Predictive modelling constitutes an effective tool for dissecting settlement patterns and understanding their locational parameters through the quantification and evaluation of formal hypotheses. A specific methodology was tailored for the subject and inspired by theory-driven and cognitive predictive modelling approaches. It involves the creation of multivariate models through weighted map algebra, which are then confronted with the distribution of archaeological settlements in four micro-regions along the Somme River. The correlation of the variables with archaeological location indicates that slopes, landforms and the relative distance to rivers are the main influential factors of the physical environment. Socio-economic parameters such as the relative distance to cities, secondary agglomerations and Roman roads are even more influential. Notwithstanding the lack of representation of settlements in the Late Roman period, site location follows similar trends from the 1st century AD to the end of the 4th century AD. Villas prefer economically well connected locations, as do stone-built and post-built settlements. Nevertheless, no parameter can be considered as deterministic in site location. This demonstrates the diversity of choices and influences which favoured the creation of Roman sites in the landscape.Show less
Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
The research presented in this thesis focusses on the architectural remains at Koroneia, recorded during the survey of the site. The research has two main aims: firstly to categorise the finds in a...Show moreThe research presented in this thesis focusses on the architectural remains at Koroneia, recorded during the survey of the site. The research has two main aims: firstly to categorise the finds in a workable manner in order to create a base file from which the analyses of the material are made. The second aim is to analyse the architecture to reconstruct the ancient city in the various periods of time in which it existed. In other words, the architecture encountered at Koroneia is used as an archaeological proxy to investigate an ancient city, but also the methodology of using this type of material to do this type of research is studied. The first aim is achieved by creating an interactive digital map of the site in which all the data are combined and as such a research tool is created. The second aim is achieved by creating a broad frame in which the material is studied. An extensive background study on architecture through time as well as a broad historical overview of Greece and the region in which Koroneia is situated form two sides of the frame that is used. The intensive manner of survey that was applied to the site in regard to architecture is unique and therefore this thesis is also used to evaluate this methodology. The results of the study definitely prove that this type of study provides reliable information with which the development of a city can be researched. This research shows that Koroneia went through various phases of growth and contraction, often contemporary with nearby cities and/or larger regional developments. It will form a vital comparison with the analysis of the spread of ceramics across the site in each phase of its existence, ongoing work. Although the results show that this study was successful, further research into the use of architecture as an archaeological proxy is possible and advisable. It is clear that more can be discerned if a larger scale is applied to the material, as most of the architectural styles and changes are not formed on a city-level, but rather on a regional, or even larger, scale. More elaborate comparisons within the region of Boeotia as well as with other regions like Attica, Thessaly, but also in other Mediterranean regions outside Greece, could greatly enhance our understanding. Furthermore, more detailed studies of the individual styles encountered may also result in more elaborate ideas on the architecture and this will further enhance our understanding of the past.Show less
