Landscape archaeology in the Venetian plain (Northern Italy)

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008 282 (Abstract)

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Abstract

This study underlines the links between environmental sciences and social sciences and aims for a better understanding of the landscape dynamics in the Venetian plain. The geodynamic constraints resulting from natural forces and the historical land occupation patterns are approached jointly. The analysis of the agrarian morphology of the plain is integrated with the geomorphological data. The prevalence of the irrigation networks constructed in order to control the hydrous flows, by irrigation or draining is highlighted. This includes 1) centurial forms, understood as a remarkable tool for agrarian improvement, 2) patterns of land planning, dating from the 12th and 13th centuries AC, 3) modern networks accompanying the Venetian nobility’s colonisation campaign of the plain. These agrarian dynamics allow us to pinpoint the complexity of the historical heritages, closely combined with the natural components, while restricted to the Venetian plain landscape.