An environmental reconsideration of Sagalassos from the Antiquity to the Early Middle Ages (1st– mid-7th century ce.)
Author(s)
Advisor
Zavagno, LucaDate
2020-12Publisher
Bilkent University
Language
English
Type
ThesisItem Usage Stats
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Abstract
At its core, environmental history is the study of a reciprocal relationship
between that of humanity and its environment. The incorporation of
environmental science to Byzantine studies has been gradual and has received
merit only in the last decade. The goal of this paper is to use the ancient site of
Sagalassos in the Antique to Early Byzantine periods as a case study to
represent the multi-faceted benefits of incorporating environmental science in
recreating a historical narrative. The focus of this paper is on utilizing the
existing palynological and zooarchaeological evidence at Sagalassos to provide
informative insight where archaeological and narrative sources are lacking. The
most abundant environmental data available at Sagalassos are three drilled
cores of the Gravgaz, Bereket and Çanaklı marshes and the investigation of a
large collection of faunal remains on the site. The use of palynological data at
Sagalassos shows that while narratives based primarily on archaeological and
ceramic evidence indicate a decline of the city in the 4th and 6th centuries,
pollen records indicate continuation and stability. Similarly, zooarchaeological
records show that social changes at Sagalassos can also be visible through
livestock selection and this reveals a transformation of the function of the city
from a production center to a more pastoral economy. The study has found that
while the 4th century does witness a reduction in monumental building, the
rebuilding programs and the presence of continued arboriculture indicate
stability at Sagalassos. Similarly, while a 6th century earthquake does damage to
some infrastructure in the city, the city still continues with its productive and
pastoral functions until the mid-7th century when a larger earthquake relocates
its inhabitants.