Environmental Humanities: A rethinking of landscape archaeology? Interdisciplinary academic research related to different perspectives of landscapes

Archaeology has shifted from deciphering meaning to acknowledging how things, places, and the environment contribute to relations. Environmental humanities pose the question of how to work with the intermeshing of humans and their surroundings, allowing the environment back in as an active agent of change. This humanities approach is of utmost importance when dealing with climate and environmental challenges, and can be found in discussions with scholars in the emerging field of Environmental Humanities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Sidestone Press

Archaeology has witnessed a growing fascination with human-animal-nature relations, marking a significant shift from its traditional emphasis on deciphering meaning and understanding symbols to acknowledge the active role of things, places, and the environment in shaping these relationships. This recognition goes beyond the notion of the environment as a passive backdrop onto which landscape meanings are projected. In parallel, the field of environmental humanities emerges, raising crucial questions about how to engage with the intricate interplay between humans and their surroundings. By reintegrating the environment as an active agent of change, landscape archaeology gains the ability to address pressing issues such as global warming, the rapid loss of biodiversity, and the increasingly toxic environment.

However, it is important to note that this reevaluation of the environment does not diminish the role of human agency. Humans, through their actions and decisions, reinforce the environmental challenges of our time. The humanities, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, delve into profound inquiries about the attribution of meaning, the cultural factors that drive human behavior, the significance of ethics, the emotional experiences of landscape, and the ways in which concepts derived from art, literature, and history contribute to these processes. This interdisciplinary approach holds immense importance as we navigate the complex challenges posed by climate and environmental change.

In this context, the discussions with scholars in the emerging field of Environmental Humanities offer valuable insights and inspiration. These scholars explore the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and the natural world, challenging traditional boundaries and fostering new ways of understanding and addressing environmental concerns. By engaging with their perspectives, landscape archaeology can evolve and adapt to meet the demands of our changing world, transcending disciplinary boundaries and collaborating with other fields to create a more sustainable and resilient future.

In conclusion, the increasing archaeological interest in human-animal-nature relations and the recognition of the environment's active role in shaping relationships represent a transformative shift in the field. By integrating environmental humanities and engaging with scholars in this emerging field, landscape archaeology can contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of our past and present, enabling us to navigate the challenges of climate and environmental change with greater resilience and wisdom.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789464270044