The archaeology of settlements and analysing the distribution of sites.

The Archaeology of settlements and analysing the distribution of sites.

Great case study.

The distribution of Roman villas.

Villas,

p     The word ‘villa’ actually means a farm.

p     It is an economic term, meaning the place had an agricultural function.

p     Generally, the word is used in modern times to describe the country residences of elite members of Romano-British society.

p     We should also include the outbuildings and agricultural structures associated with these residences.

Site catchment analysis.

•         A method for analysing how sites interact with the surrounding landscape.

•         Site Catchment Analysis assumes that settlements are not randomly located, but instead are placed to maximise the economic opportunities available to them.

Problems with site catchment analysis.

•         Relies upon the accurate reconstruction of the landscape (which is difficult to do).

•         Assumes that people in the past knew about the resources we identify today.

•         Assumes that their actions were guided by practical concerns.

•         Assumes that economics…