Historic Landscape Archaeology: Approaches, Methods and Beneficiaries

Understand historic landscapes through the lens of archaeology

All over the world, historic landscapes are vanishing due to rapid climatic, economic, and demographic changes. But an awareness of the need to identify and protect these landscapes is also on the rise.

On this four-week course from the University of Padova, you’ll explore the history, definition, and politics of landscape. You’ll discuss what landscapes are, how to decipher their history, and why we should promote and protect them.

Uncover archaeological tools and methods, from excavation to environmental analysis

After an introduction to landscapes and the international institutions that protect them, you’ll delve into tools and methods for analysing them.

In Weeks 2 and 3 of the course, you’ll gain an overview of various methodologies in landscape archaeology, from reading and understanding ancient maps to remote sensing techniques.

You’ll also learn how analysis of soil, plants, and zoological remains can help archaeologists reconstruct environmental changes, and why earth, water, and fire are fundamental in past and present landscapes.

Learn how to engage local communities in land-use planning and conservation

In the final week of the course, you’ll identify the real beneficiaries of landscape archaeology, and consider the importance of involving local communities in land-use planning and conservation.

You’ll finish the course with a deeper understanding of the importance of landscape archaeology, and a knowledge of its many tools and methodologies.

This course is designed for anyone interested in learning more about historic landscapes and how we identify, study, and manage them.

It will be particularly useful for professionals (including archaeologists, museum conservators, educators, and tourism managers) looking to expand their knowledge and expertise in areas of cultural heritage and the management of historic landscapes.

• Approaches: What are Landscapes?
• Introduction to the course
• Defining Landscape
• Deconstructing Landscapes
• Tools and Methods
• Stratigraphy in landscape archaeology
• Maps
• From paper to computer
• Case study
• Methods: From site to lab
• Archaeological surveys and excavations
• Environmental analysis
• Animals and landscapes
• Mediterranean Landscapes: Earth, fire and water
• Earth
• Fire
• Water
• Beneficiaries: what is this for?