Gourt > Science > Social Sciences > Archaeology > Topics > Landscape Archaeology
Landscape archaeology is a body of method and theory for the study of the material traces of past peoples within the context of their interactions in the wider (typically regional) social and natural environment they inhabited. The landscape may be large, such as a wide marshy river delta, or small, such as a back garden; the key feature that distinguishes landscape archaeology from (e.g.) site-based approaches is that there is an explicit emphasis on the study of the relationships between archaeological data (e.g. between sites and/or cultural modifications to landscapes such as ditches, burial mounds, field systems, roads, etc.) and such cultural phenomena and their natural setting or environment. The origins of a specific body of theory dealing with these questions can be traced to at least the 1950s and 1960s in archaeology. Techniques used in landscape archaeology, principally archaeological field survey and associated technologies, are often practised in cultural resources management to identify vulnerable sites.
Landscape archaeology has challenged some traditional concepts in archaeology. For example, the question of what exactly constitutes an archaeological site has been discussed at length by generations of archaeologists. By adopting a landscape archaeology viewpoint, the concept of a discrete 'site' becomes less important. Areas of investigation are not limited to the boundaries of an excavation but can instead stretch for many miles. Excavation is usually impractical on such a scale and landscape archaeologists focus on the visible features that can be identified and recorded on the ground surface to create a picture of human activity across a region.
Archaeological features buried just below the surface often leave tell-tale 'lumps and bumps'; plough action in fields can lift archaeological material to the surface; in areas of limited human activity, worked flint scatters can survive untouched for many centuries; and standing buildings and field boundaries can be of great antiquity yet archaeologically unexamined. Survey of these sorts of features across large areas, through measured walkovers or via analysis of aerial photography, can produce a new perspective on the archaeological record and identify areas requiring better management or areas where excavation could be beneficial. Such survey is usually accompanied by documentary and historic research to better inform the findings.
More on [ Landscape archaeology ]
Landscape Ecology and Spatial Analysis :: Ecology
RT @archaeologist Archaeology is the study of the temporality of the landscape (Ingold 1993:172)
KerriAtwood (Kerri Atwood) Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:47:30 -0000
RT @archaeologist Archaeology is the study of the temporality of the landscape (Ingold 1993:172)
Archaeology is the study of the temporality of the landscape (Ingold 1993:172)
archaeologist (Nicolas Laracuente) Thu, 03 Dec 2009 05:22:07 -0000
Archaeology is the study of the temporality of the landscape (Ingold 1993:172)
surrounded by 3 #archaeology dissertations on ethnicity, pottery, landscape, identity, ritual, contact, change, culture... where to begin!?
archasa (Ã sa M Larsson) Sat, 28 Nov 2009 23:43:36 -0000
surrounded by 3 #archaeology dissertations on ethnicity, pottery, landscape, identity, ritual, contact, change, culture... where to begin!?
You're invited 5:30 pm, Dec 3, Kelsey Musum: Field Archaeology Series Lecture, Archae & Politics of Landscape... http://bit.ly/8Rvfqy
kelseymuseum (Kelsey Museum) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:44:17 -0000
You're invited 5:30 pm, Dec 3, Kelsey Musum: Field Archaeology Series Lecture, Archae & Politics of Landscape... http://bit.ly/8Rvfqy
Karl Popper, objects as mnemonic devices, procedural logic systems, cladistics, landscape archaeology on a small scale - it doesn't fit.
lifeatblandings (Peter) Fri, 27 Nov 2009 07:32:03 -0000
Karl Popper, objects as mnemonic devices, procedural logic systems, cladistics, landscape archaeology on a small scale - it doesn't fit.
Community Landscape Archaeology Survey Project (CLASP) - Aims to initiate and facilitate investigation of the local past in Northamptonshire. Includes details of schemes and membership information.
Meta Description: [ A community archaeology project in Northamptonshire, UK ]
Digital Elevation Model (DEM) Data Processing for a Landscape Archaeology Analysis - Examination of the southern Sevan Lake region of Armenia, describing comparison and integration of thematic maps with archaeological data. Includes 3D representation and elevation profiles. From the International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences.
Kilmartin House - A museum on the West Coast of Scotland. An interactive map leads to photographs, description and bibliography for sites scattered over a prehistoric landscape.
Meta Description: [ Kilmartin House Centre - Visit our award winning archaeology museum on the West Coast of Scotland ]
Landscape Archaeology - Antiquity of Man article examines hypotheses, models, and predictions, to explain how the concept has been applied to the study of the Early Stone Age.
Meta Description: [ The Antiquity of Man landscape archaeology ]
Landscape Archaeology in Kalaupapa - Describes research into the development of three communities of Native Hawaiians during pre-contact and early historic times. Includes links to publications. Also available for download in PDF format.
Landscape Archaeology in West New Britain - An inter-disciplinary project aiming to understand the history of settlement, subsistence, and trade in the Willaumez Peninsula beginning from earliest colonization up to the recent past, directed by Dr Robin Torrence from the Australian Museum. Includes publications and annual fieldwork reports.
Meta Description: [ The aim of this long term archaeological research is to understand the history of settlement, subsistence, and trade in the Willaumez Peninsula beginning from earliest colonisation, c. 35,000 years ago up to the recent past. ]
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MA Landscape Archaeology - A one-year postgraduate course at the University of Sheffield. Training is given in the recognition of cultural landscapes and field monuments, and in a range of recording techniques. Includes details of application procedure, fees and funding.
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MA Landscape Archaeology - An introduction to sources, practical methods and fieldwork skills, from University College, Dublin. Includes subject information and details of entrance requirements, financial grants, and teaching and assessment methods.
MA Landscape Archaeology - University of Bristol course offers training in practical and theoretical approaches, including prehistoric and historical landscapes, surveying, earthwork surveys, GIS and geophysics. Includes information about admissions and fees, contact details and links to related departments.
Norfolk Landscape Archaeology - Aims to record, conserve and interpret the historic environment. Includes an E-Map Explorer that enables the user to explore the changing landscape by comparing aerial photographs and historical maps on the web.
The Landscape Archaeology of Hayton, East Yorkshire - Reports the results of a 1975 excavation and subsequent metal-detecting activity, field walking and aerial reconnaissance, and describes fieldwork undertaken since 1995. Includes maps, aerial and site photographs, and the research design. From the University of Southampton.
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