Geoarchaeological mapping of medieval wetlands and their reclamation in the hinterland of Ravenna : two case studies from Massa Lombarda (RA) and Villafranca di Forlì (FC)

Three hand augering campaigns were carried out between 2018 and 2020 in the hinterland of Ravenna to gain new insights into the physical transformations that occurred in the area during the last 3000 years. Understanding these changes is crucial to be able to fully reconstruct past settlements patterns in alluvial landscapes, such as the lowlands around Ravenna. Based on known archaeological and geomorphological data, and historical sources available, six case studies were selected to carry out targeted geoarchaeological research. The paper introduces the main research questions behind these campaigns, the methodology used (hand augering), and the format of data recording for facilitating their future reuse. Finally, two case studies will be used to show the effectiveness of this approach in understanding landscape changes caused by alluvial phenomena, relying not only on archaeological data but also on stratigraphic markers (i.e. palaeosols) buried below the present-day ground. Thanks to this approach, targeted geoarchaeological research can quickly point out the main landscape changes caused by rivers avulsions and flooding processes. In particular, the first geological pieces of evidence will be presented on the existence of medieval wetlands in both areas of Massa Lombarda and Villafranca di Forlì in the Middle Ages, and their subsequent reclamation occurred around the 13th century CE.

Publication year:2022

Accessibility:Open