Verreyke-TracingLateRoman-2009

Page 1

Title and Publication Information

• Title: Tracing Late Roman Rural Occupation in Adriatic Central Italy

• Authors: Hélène Verreyke and Frank Vermeulen

• Source: American Journal of Archaeology, Jan. 2009, Vol. 113, No. 1 (Jan., 2009), pp. 103-120

• Published by: Archaeological Institute of America

• Stable URL: JSTOR Link

• Access Information: You may need to log in to JSTOR for linked references.

Support and Resources

• JSTOR Functionality: A not-for-profit digital archive that aids scholars, research, and academic discovery.

• Contact: For more information, contact support@jstor.org.

Page 2

Abstract of the Paper

• Focus: Examines identification of rural occupation and changing settlement patterns during late antiquity in Adriatic Italy.

• Methodology: Archaeological field survey utilized for mapping ancient settlement patterns.

• Key Issues: Identification of Late Roman occupation and evaluation challenges remain.

• Case Study: Potenza Valley survey project highlights these identification challenges and methodologies.

Broader Historical Context

• Increasing interest in late antiquity across Mediterranean.

• Archaeological excavations recognize settlements, exchange patterns, and the regional diversity.

• Important factors:

  • Local economy

  • Political events

  • Warfare impact

The Potenza Valley Survey (PVS)

• Project Start: Began in 2000, targeting mapping occupations from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

• Focal Periods:

  1. Iron Age Piceni culture & Roman colonization

  2. Late Antiquity

• Approach: GIS-based multidisciplinary research including remote sensing and geomorphological studies.

Page 3

Methodology Overview

• Survey Techniques: Basic linewalking and random walking used within sample areas.

• Sample Areas: Defined by field boundaries and topographic features; focused on optimal visibility in plowed fields.

• Data Recording: All findings recorded with attention to visibility factors and survey methods.

General Setting

• The central Adriatic Italy features river valleys crucial for connectivity between regions.

• Potenza River Valley: An important transportation corridor linking Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Italy.

• Roads: Via Flaminia and its branches served key routes.

• Modern Context: Minimal modern occupation allows for detailed survey work in relic areas.

Page 4

Survey Sample Areas

• Upper Potenza Valley: Fertile area between Apennines; crucial for Roman town connections.

• Middle Potenza Valley: Hilly landscape aiding regional connectivity; influenced by historical settlements.

• Lower Potenza Valley: Broad plains near Roman town Potentia, revealing important archaeological insights.

Challenges in Site Identification

• Site visibility issues due to landscape erosion, modern construction, and survey methodologies.

• Importance of Surface Finds: Identification relies on comprehensive analysis of surface artifacts.

Page 5

Site Identification Problems

• Factors Affecting Visibility: Erosion and human impact obscure archaeological layers.

• Method Issues: Standard linewalking may not sufficiently identify older or transitional sites.

• Chronological Challenges: Lack of diagnostic material complicates dating, especially for Early Medieval sites.

Local Pottery Analysis

• Critical for identifying Late Roman occupation; work done from excavations at Potentia.

• Established two trends in local wares:

  1. Inclusion of chert or silex in typical local pottery.

  2. Decline in the variety of forms in Late Roman pottery reflecting economic changes.

Page 6

Site Typology Development

• Typological Framework: Classifications based on artifact size, quality, presence of structures, and historical context.

• Types of Sites Identified: From small house units to extensive estates, reflecting settlement network and quality of life indicators.

Survey Results Summary

• Detected a mix of protohistoric and Roman sites through systematic research in several sample areas.

• For Late Roman settlements, an overall decline observed post-second century CE, with fewer active sites into the third century CE.

Page 7

Settlement Patterns

• Decline in occupation observed as few sites continued to be active into the later Late Roman period.

• Occupation History: In upper Potenza, only one-third of occupied sites maintained by late antiquity; many previously active sites noted as abandoned due to economic downturns.

Page 8

Statistical Overview of Site Occupation

• Tables Overview: Provide chronological breakdown of identified Roman sites across the Potenza Valley, illustrating patterns of decline and occupancy changes.

• Key Observations: Larger sites persisted longer into the Late Roman era compared to smaller rural occupations.

Page 9

Rural Settlement Analysis

• Significant decline of small sites during the fourth and fifth centuries CE.

• Coastal regions retained more stability due to better resources and urban connectivity.

Page 10

Geographic Considerations

• Settlements typically established in key areas, near Roman roads or productive terrains, revealing strategic choices in site selection.

• Rural to Urban Relationships: Examination of connections between past settlements and current geographical understanding.

Page 11

Integration of Survey and Excavation Data

• Close connections between survey results and archaeological findings bolster understanding of rural economies.

• Historical records from the Republican and Early Imperial periods provide additional context although scarce for late periods.

Page 12

Findings on Roman Settlements

• Limited hard evidence from excavations hampers broader understanding of Roman rural sites and specific functions.

• Survey Limitations: Archaeological strategies may not reveal the complete picture, requiring combined methodologies for better insight.

Page 13

Decline and Revival Trends

• Generally points to post-third-century challenges for rural settlements; reconfirmed by excavation data showing patterns of abandonment and transformation.

• Factors Impacting Declines: Conflict, economic fluctuations, and shifting rural dynamics.

Page 14

Transformation of Villa Functions

• Many villas adapted functions during late antiquity, integrating agricultural and residential spaces, indicating shifts in lifestyle and economy during this period.

Page 15

Sixth Century Era of Transition

• Notable decrease in sites after mid-fifth century, influenced by devastating conflicts like the Gothic-Byzantine war and weakened agricultural systems.

Page 16

Conclusive Insights

• Historical analysis indicates a high variability in rural settlement patterns, linked to geography and economic conditions.

• Declining patterns noted prior to Lombard takeovers as rural communities shifted.

Page 17

Research Reflections

• Main Takeaway: Complexity of interpreting Late Roman rural occupation thrives on integrating disparate archaeological and textual evidence, emphasizing local distinctions and broader historical implications.

• Future Directions: Continued excavation necessary for clarifying ambiguities in settlement histories and regional transitions into the Middle Ages.

Tracing Late Roman Rural Occupation in Adriatic Central Italy

Title and Publication Information

Title: Tracing Late Roman Rural Occupation in Adriatic Central ItalyAuthors: Hélène Verreyke and Frank VermeulenSource: American Journal of Archaeology, Jan. 2009, Vol. 113, No. 1 (Jan., 2009), pp. 103-120Published by: Archaeological Institute of AmericaStable URL: JSTOR LinkAccess Information: Users may need to log in to JSTOR for access to linked references or to purchase the article.

Support and Resources

JSTOR Functionality: JSTOR is a not-for-profit digital archive that aids scholars, researchers, and academic discovery by providing access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources.Contact: For more information or support, email support@jstor.org.

Abstract of the Paper

Focus: This research examines the identification of rural occupations and the changing settlement patterns during late antiquity in Adriatic Italy, shedding light on the dynamics of rural life during this transformative period.Methodology: Utilizes a comprehensive archaeological field survey aimed at mapping ancient settlement patterns, which includes detailed recording and analysis of material culture found during the survey.Key Issues: Challenges in the identification of Late Roman occupations highlight the need for refined methodologies to address complex archaeological contexts. Case Study: The Potenza Valley survey project serves as a primary case study highlighting methodologies utilized and challenges encountered in identifying and interpreting rural occupation patterns.

Broader Historical Context

There is an increasing scholarly interest in late antiquity across the Mediterranean, focusing on the decline of the Roman Empire and its impact on rural settlements. Archaeological excavations are increasingly recognizing the significance of settlements, exchange patterns, and regional diversity. Key factors influencing this context include:

• Local Economy: Fluctuations in agricultural production and trade dynamics.

• Political Events: Shifts in power, territorial control, and land ownership affecting settlement stability.

• Warfare Impact: Conflicts that disrupted communities and influenced patterns of abandonment.

The Potenza Valley Survey (PVS)

Project Start: Initiated in 2000, the PVS targets the mapping of occupations from prehistory through to the Middle Ages, emphasizing shifts during late antiquity.Focal Periods: The survey focuses on key periods including the Iron Age Piceni culture and Roman colonization, extending through late antiquity where vital insights into rural occupations are gathered.Approach: The research employs GIS-based multidisciplinary methods that include remote sensing and geomorphological studies, enhancing the understanding of historical site locations and landscape utilization.

Methodology Overview

Survey Techniques: Incorporates basic linewalking (systematic survey walking along straight lines) and random walking methods used within defined sample areas for data collection.Sample Areas: These are carefully defined by field boundaries and topographic features to optimize visibility of artifacts in plowed fields, which are ideal for surface surveys.Data Recording: All findings are meticulously recorded, paying close attention to visibility factors such as soil types and other environmental variables influencing artifact preservation.

General Setting

The central Adriatic Italy is characterized by river valleys that serve as crucial connectors between regions.Potenza River Valley: Acts as a significant transportation corridor linking Tyrrhenian and Adriatic Italy.Roads: Key routes include the Via Flaminia and its branches, which facilitated movement and trade throughout the Roman Empire.Modern Context: Minimal modern occupation allows for detailed archaeological surveys in relic areas, providing a clearer picture of historical settlement patterns.

Survey Sample Areas

Upper Potenza Valley: A fertile area situated between the Apennines, crucial for understanding connections to Roman towns.Middle Potenza Valley: Features a hilly landscape that fosters regional connectivity, influenced by historical settlements' placement.Lower Potenza Valley: Expansive plains near the ancient Roman town of Potentia, yielding important archaeological insights regarding urban-rural relationships.

Challenges in Site Identification

Site Visibility Issues: Challenges arise due to landscape erosion, modern construction activities, and inconsistencies in survey methodologies.Importance of Surface Finds: The identification process heavily relies on the comprehensive analysis of surface artifacts; however, visibility issues can complicate this task.

Site Identification Problems

Factors Affecting Visibility: Erosion and human impacts obscure archaeological layers, complicating site identification efforts.Method Issues: Standard linewalking may not adequately identify older or transitional sites, necessitating innovative strategies.Chronological Challenges: The lack of diagnostic material poses significant challenges for accurate dating, especially for Early Medieval sites in the region.

Local Pottery Analysis

Crucial for identifying Late Roman occupation, extensive work has been based on excavations at Potentia.Established Trends:

• Inclusion of chert or silex in typical local pottery indicates technological advancements or access to diverse resources.

• A noted decline in the diversity of pottery forms during Late Roman times reflects economic changes and possible shifts in production practices.

Site Typology Development

Typological Framework: Classifications are based on artifact size, quality, presence of structures, and their historical contexts, facilitating a nuanced understanding of site functions.Types of Sites Identified: Analysis spans from small house units to extensive estates, revealing a network of settlements and indicators of living standards during this period.

Survey Results Summary

The survey detected a mix of protohistoric and Roman sites through systematic research, demonstrating the richness of the archaeological record.Decline of Late Roman Settlements: An overall decline in the number of active sites was observed post-second century CE, with a significant contraction of occupation into the third century CE influencing subsequent archaeological interpretations.

Settlement Patterns

A discernible decline in occupations is noted, as few sites remained active into the later Late Roman period, suggesting significant changes in social and economic dynamics.Occupation History: In the upper Potenza region, only one-third of occupied sites were retained by late antiquity; many previously active settlements were abandoned, attributed to economic downturns and instability.

Statistical Overview of Site Occupation

Tables Overview: The paper presents a chronological breakdown of identified Roman sites across the Potenza Valley, illustrating patterns of decline in site occupancy and highlighting shifts over time.Key Observations: Data reveals that larger sites maintained occupation longer into the Late Roman era compared to smaller rural settlements, emphasizing the varied impacts on different site types.

Rural Settlement Analysis

A notable significant decline of smaller sites was observed during the fourth and fifth centuries CE, with coastal regions demonstrating more stability likely due to superior resources and urban connectivity that supported rural life.

Geographic Considerations

Settlements were strategically established in key areas, particularly near Roman roads and productive agricultural terrains, indicating thoughtful site selection based on economic and logistical considerations.Rural to Urban Relationships: This aspect examines the connections between past settlements and current geographical understandings, fostering insights into historical land use.

Integration of Survey and Excavation Data

The close connections between survey outcomes and archaeological findings bolster the understanding of rural economies and cultural landscapes during late antiquity.Historical Records: Scant records from the Republican and Early Imperial periods provide valuable context, albeit limited for late periods of the Roman Empire.

Findings on Roman Settlements

Limited hard evidence from excavations hampers a broader understanding of Roman rural sites and their specific functions within the economy.Survey Limitations: Recognizing that archaeological strategies may not reveal the complete picture, there is a pressing need for combined methodologies to gain better insights into the complexities of Late Roman rural life.

Decline and Revival Trends

Research points to post-third-century challenges faced by rural settlements, a trend reconfirmed by excavation data that shows patterns of abandonment and functional transformation in rural areas.Factors Impacting Declines: Key contributing factors include conflict, economic fluctuations, and shifting dynamics in rural communities influenced by broader social changes.

Transformation of Villa Functions

Many villas adapted their functions during late antiquity, merging agricultural practices and residential spaces, indicating significant shifts in lifestyle and economic organization during this period.

Sixth Century Era of Transition

A notable decrease in sites is observed after the mid-fifth century, heavily influenced by devastating conflicts such as the Gothic-Byzantine war and weakened agricultural systems leading to demographic shifts.

Conclusive Insights

The historical analysis indicates a high variability in rural settlement patterns, intricately linked to geographical contexts and economic conditions during late antiquity. Decl