Abstract
This paper develops a regional dataset of change at 381 settlements for Lycia-Pamphylia in southwest Anatolia (Turkey) from volume 8 of theTabula Imperii Byzantini–a compilation of historical toponyms and archaeological evidence. This region is rich in archaeological remains and high-quality paleo-climatic and -environmental archives. Our archaeological synthesis enables direct comparison of these datasets to discuss current hypotheses of climate impacts on historical societies. A Roman Climatic Optimum, characterized by warmer and wetter conditions, facilitating Roman expansion in the 1st-2ndcenturies CE cannot be supported here, as Early Byzantine settlement did not benefit from enhanced precipitation in the 4th-6thcenturies CE as often supposed. However, widespread settlement decline in a period with challenging archaeological chronologies (c. 550–650 CE) was likely caused by a “perfect storm” of environmental, climatic, seismic, pathogenic and socio-economic factors, though a shift to drier conditions from c. 460 CE appears to have preceded other factors by at least a century.
Funder
Arts and Humanities Research Council
Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, University of Georgia
Willson Centre for Humanities and Arts, University of Georgia
Publisher
Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Cited by
7 articles.
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