Rupture and transition in East Crete: Holocene landscape evolution and implications for pre-Christian cultural development in the Dikti-Mirambello region
The research project aims at reconstructing the cultural and environmental change in East Crete, Greece. In the course of more than four millennia, the island turned into the nucleus of cultural development despite its allegedly isolated location in the Eastern Mediterranean, as can be verified by the early advent of the Neolithic revolution, the flourishing Minoan civilization or the prospering Hellenistic culture. Crammed between the Aegean landmass, the Levant and Northern Africa, Crete evolved into a geographic linking hub and, thus, ideally qualifies for studying the lansdscape evolution along with relevant causes, effects and human-environmental interactions. This significant transformation into one of Europe’s oldest cultivated landscapes was also accompanied by massive natural changes such as climatic deterioriation, vulcanic eruptions (e.g. Santorini 1620 B.C.) or earthquakes, which are to be investigated in the study at hand. In order to unravel the correlation between settlement history and natural aspects, a multidisciplinary research design that combines both natural sciences and humanities is necessary. It is based on and carried out by a collaboration between the Geographical Institute of Heidelberg University, the Department of Classical Archaeology and the CEREGE-CNRS (Aix-en-Provence).
Quaternary sediment outcrop at Katharo plateau (Dikti-mountains, 1200 m a.s.l.)
The main focus is on a multi-proxy approach that inludes several applications (i.e. geophysics, laser scanning, remote sensing, geomorphic field-surveying) and archives in terms of sediment-filled karst depressions. The latter provide insight into past landscapes and allow reconstructing a palaeo-environmental scnario. Moreover, these terrestrial archives are used for simultaneous archaeological prospecting. Among others potery findings, bone fragments and anthropogenic remains like buried walls and buildings help linking the settlement history to local geomorphodynamics as observed in the study area (phases of land use, clearing, soil erosion, abandonment, etc.).
Geophysical prospecting and terrestrial laser scanning in the Kritsa-Lato dolines
The area of investigation, which is located in the Kritsa-Katharo-Lassithi region in East Crete, offers ideal conditions for integrated geographical and arcaheological studies. It forms a spatial transtion zone between the fertile lowlands, the coastal strip (with good access to natural harbours) and the mountains that provided refuge for settlers over the past millennia. Until today, these remote areas are difficult to access and represent sacred places with a mystical touch. The interdisciplinary research focuses on several large doline complexes, which are analysed morphometrically, geophysically, sedimentologically and mineralogically. Details and results were published in several papers (e.g. Siart et al. 2009 or Siart et al. 2012). An supplemental description [in German] can be found here. Moreover, you can take a look at a presenation held at JJG conference in Avignon 2011 that outlines the major findings including some extracts from my 3D landscape visualization.
TerraScientia 