ABSENCE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER: IN SEARCH OF MISSING PERIODS IN THE PISIDIAN LAKE DISTRICT
Channel: European Association of Archaeologists
Date: 04/11/2020

The Sagalassos Research Project has conducted numerous intensive surveys in the territory surrounding the antique site over the past three decades. Results of these efforts have shown there to be substantial gaps in the archaeological record in certain landscapes, both at particular times and in particular forms. There are especially notable disparities between the highland areas around the modern village of Dereköy and lowland areas of the Burdur Plain. In order to better understand these patterns, a locally adaptive model of archaeological potential (LAMAP) based on the existing survey results has been employed for the territory. This approach has allowed the project to gain insight on areas that have yet to be surveyed (or are unable to be surveyed for some reason), and to target lacunae in our knowledge of certain periods and land uses, which have otherwise eluded detection using more tradition means. This geospatial strategy has shed light on the ‘blank areas’ in the archaeological record, helping to reveal whether they are in fact real or not, provided insight into land use and settlement strategies for periods throughout the territory, and delivered guidance for future pedestrian survey and excavation efforts. This approach has further implications for research directions which include addressing ‘blank areas’ in the paleoenvironmental record.


Author(s): Willett, Patrick (University at Buffalo; University of Leuven) - Carleton, Chris (Simon Fraser University) - Vandam, Ralf - Poblome, Jeroen (University of Leuven)