Measurements of diachronic stability of agrarian exploitation

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 281 (Abstract)

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Abstract

Off-site material has two main interesting properties which are that it is spatially continuous and diachronic. Such data can be used to estimate how ancient societies invested in a space in terms of intensity, durability and stability, over the long term. This micro-analysis is based on a precise record of off-site material based on collection units which never exceed five hectares. Each off-site sherd was dated and attributed to one of seven chronological phases. Three new indicators are proposed to measure the level of investment of ancient societies. The computing and mapping of these indicators was done using GIS software. The data used in this paper come mainly from a fieldwalking project conducted in a study area of Berry (Central France).