Sea ingression dynamics and occupation patterns in the Dutch coastal area during the first millennium AD

H.J. Pierik, R.J. van Lanen, E. Stouthamer

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterOther research output

Abstract

In many parts of the Netherlands the transition from the Roman period to the Early Middle Ages coincided with declining population. This contribution explores landscape dynamics of the Dutch coastal area in the first millennium AD and its possible influences on occupation patterns.
To achieve this, we developed a GIS containing geological-geomorphological elements from tidal systems (channels, tidal flats and salt marshes). Knowledge on the geological development of the tidal systems is documented in the GIS allowing mapping of coastal evolution. By comparing these coastal-evolution maps with newly complied archaeological data, interaction between landscape changes and settlements can be hypothesized.
At the onset of the Early Middle Ages, large-scale extension of the tidal area occurred at the expense of habitable land. This happened as a dramatic consequence of Roman peat reclamation and subsequent subsidence. In the areas most susceptible for large scale flooding (SW Netherlands), this led to depopulation of the area. Adversely, at the end of the Early Middle Ages this
area silted up and the land could be reclaimed. In other areas, sea ingression as a consequence of peat reclamation happened at a smaller scale, no clear link between occupation has been established yet. Around estuaries, secondary tributaries silted up, coinciding with an increased settlement density in the waning tidal areas.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2015
EventXIX INQUA Congres - Nagoya Congress Center, Nagoya, Japan
Duration: 27 Jul 20152 Aug 2015

Conference

ConferenceXIX INQUA Congres
Country/TerritoryJapan
CityNagoya
Period27/07/152/08/15

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