Living with Seismic Phenomena in the Mediterranean and Beyond between Antiquity and the Middle Ages: Proceedings of Cascia (25-26 October, 2019) and Le Mans (2-3 June, 2021) Conferences

The 2016 earthquake in central Italy caused significant damage to archaeological and historical heritage. In 2019 and 2021, two International Conferences were held in Cascia and Le Mans University to discuss living with seismic phenomena in the Mediterranean. The articles in this book present oral presentations and posters from the conferences, covering topics such as understanding seismic phenomena, post-disaster management, adaptation, and resilience. Palaeoseimological and archaeological data are also presented on various sites in the Italian peninsula and the wider Mediterranean world. The book aims to advance knowledge on human/environment relations, protect architectural and cultural heritage, and promote risk management in seismic-prone territories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

In a Mediterranean region renowned for its robust seismic activity, the devastating earthquake that struck central Italy in 2016 inflicted significant damage to the region's rich archaeological and historical heritage. This catastrophic event, coupled with recent archaeological fieldwork and palaeoseimological research in the same area, prompted the organization of the inaugural International Conference "Living with seismic phenomena in the Mediterranean from Antiquity to the Middle Ages" in Cascia, Italy, in 2019. A second conference on the same topic was held at Le Mans University in France in 2021. The articles collected in this work represent a selection of the oral presentations or posters showcased during the two conferences.

The first two sections of the book delve into diverse perspectives on seismic phenomena, encompassing various ways of understanding these natural disasters. These sections also explore the strategies employed by societies and political authorities to manage the aftermath of earthquakes, adapt to their impacts, and foster resilience. Moving forward, the third part presents previously unpublished palaeoseimological and archaeological data from various sites in the Italian peninsula and the broader Mediterranean world, including its frontiers. The final section focuses on the emerging field of multidisciplinary studies on the unique characteristics of reconstruction and post-seismic building techniques.

Overall, this book employs a multidisciplinary approach to advance knowledge on human-environment relations over extended periods, contribute to the preservation of architectural and cultural heritage, and promote a culture of risk management in regions susceptible to potential seismic activity.

Weight: 1527g
Dimension: 290 x 205 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803272351