Palaeolandscapes in Archaeology: Lessons for the Past and Future

The book explores the physical and social attributes that have shaped and re-shaped our landscapes through time, with case studies from tropical forests, deserts, river deltas, remote islands, coastal zones, and continental interiors. It combines archaeological evidence with other avenues of research in earth sciences, biology, and social relations, offering new perspectives on what the worlds palaeolandscapes looked like, how people lived in these places, and how communities have engaged with long-term change.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The chapters in this book delve into the diverse range of physical and social factors that have shaped and re-shaped our landscapes throughout history. Contributors from around the world have contributed the latest findings from their investigations into ancient landscapes, known as "palaeolandscapes," in various settings, including tropical forests, deserts, river deltas, remote islands, coastal zones, and continental interiors. The case studies adopt a liberal approach by combining archaeological evidence with other fields such as earth sciences, biology, and social relations. The chapters offer fresh perspectives on the appearance, way of life, and interactions of communities with long-term changes in their natural and cultural environments across centuries and millennia.

This book appeals to a broad audience, including general readers interested in archaeology, ecology, geography, and the broader field of human-environment relations. It also holds significant value for specialists and students in these fields, offering primary datasets and new ideas and perspectives. Furthermore, it provides valuable examples from the past to enhance our understanding of sustainable landscape systems.

The book is organized into several chapters, each exploring a specific aspect of palaeolandscapes and their significance. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, highlighting the importance of studying ancient landscapes and the contributions of international authors. The subsequent chapters delve into various settings, such as tropical forests, deserts, river deltas, and coastal zones, presenting detailed case studies and analyses.

The case studies encompass a wide range of methodologies, including archaeological excavations, remote sensing, and interdisciplinary approaches. They shed light on the physical characteristics of palaeolandscapes, such as soil types, vegetation patterns, and water resources, as well as the social and cultural aspects of human settlement and interaction. The authors also explore the ways in which communities have adapted to and managed long-term changes in their natural and cultural environments, including the development of sustainable practices and the management of resources.

Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of their research and the importance of integrating multiple perspectives to gain a comprehensive understanding of ancient landscapes. They highlight the value of collaboration and the exchange of ideas across different fields, as well as the potential for interdisciplinary research to contribute to our understanding of contemporary environmental challenges.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the physical and social attributes that have shaped and re-shaped our landscapes throughout history. By combining archaeological evidence with other fields of research, the chapters provide new perspectives on the past and offer valuable insights into the workings of sustainable landscape systems. It is a valuable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in the history, ecology, and geography of our world.

Weight: 760g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367689056