SOIL MICROMORPHOLOGY AS A TOOL FOR CONNECTING THE BURIED ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE MANAGEMENT
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 2021-02-02

Across Europe, only recently is the scientific potential of the buried archaeological deposits within castles being more widely realised, having often been overlooked in favour of the protection and consolidation of standing remains, developments such as reconstruction and rebuilding projects. Current frameworks for protection and research strategies vary greatly across Europe in relation to the significance that is ascribed to the archaeology of castle sites. We present soil micromorphology results from castle sites in Britain (Scotland), Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Spain and The Netherlands, representing a diverse range of cultural and environmental contexts. Micromorphology can be used to refine the stratigraphic sequence, to identify activities at high resolution from first construction phases or, in characterising the changing use and, following decay, the re-use occupation of structures. Detailed understanding of these phases and hiatuses in use is important for understanding the role of a castle in its wider landscape. Furthermore, micromorphology enables the examination of the differential preservation of plant remains and the identification of organic materials in a variety of forms, which are crucial components for understanding the diet, livestock management and economy within a castle and the exploitation of its hinterland. We highlight the requirement for robust scientific analysis of buried stratigraphy if it is uncovered by building activities that include the conservation and renovation of the standing architecture and the removal of rubble, which can unseal buried archaeology and affect its preservation. Micromorphology data can be used to develop and drive pan-European heritage research and management strategies of buried archaeology at medieval castles and connect these sites with their landscapes.


Author(s): Banerjea, Rowena (University of Reading) - Huisman, Hans (Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands; University of Groningen) - Nicosia, Cristiano (Università di Padova) - Borderie, Quentin (Département d’Eure-et-Loir, CNRS - UMR 7041 ArScAn) - Béguier, Irène (Park of Morbihan Gulf) - Colenburg, Jesper (Independent)