Revealing the past through modelling? Reflections on connectivity, habitation and persistence in the Dutch Delta during the 1st millennium AD
Rowin J. van Lanen
Abstract This paper focuses on unravelling the 1st millennium AD in present-day Netherlands and applicability of modelling when studying past. By presenting results several studies analysing changes (or persistence) connectivity habitation patterns, significance these findings for (spatial) is derived. The transition between Roman early-medieval periods particularly interesting this respect as it characterised by severe pan-European political, socio-economic demographic changes. Additionally, recent geosciences increasingly point to marked climatic landscape changes, such river avulsions floods, occurring at same time. extent which environmental cultural dynamics were entwined mutually influential generally unknown, especially larger-scale levels. Lowlands, Netherlands, are suited study complex interactions since boundary conditions, i.e. set conditions required maintaining existing equilibrium a region, areas sensitive change. In combined recently developed landscape-archaeological models presented. These spatially analyse natural five manifestations: route networks, long-distance transport, settlement palaeodemographics land-use systems. Combined, manifestations provide information connectivity, persistence habitation, key concepts whole. Results show that only integrating outcomes possible reconstruct high-resolution spatio-temporal frameworks cultural-landscape Equally, invite reflection their and, such, need new theoretical framing development more multi-proxy, evidence-based transdisciplinary research approaches archaeology. evident interrelationship natural-landscape necessitates integrated transparent attitude, covering multiple scales Only then can reflect historical reality closely possible.
Geologie En Mijnbouw