Remotely Sensing the Ancient Interactions between Humans and the Environment during the Roman Period at Porolissum

Abstract

This paper summarizes results from a landscape archaeology research project that explores the ways in which ancient Romans from the territory of Dacia Porolissensis (Romania) used and modified the environment around them. Based on LiDAR-derived data (Light Detection and Ranging) for accurate archaeological, geomorphological and vegetation feature detection, the most probable effects of past human land-use on the present landscape values are assessed. Knowledge of human disturbance periods, land-use history and their corresponding legacies is vital for evaluating habitat resilience and predicting future ecosystem services (Glenn et al. 1999; Foster 2003; Ritter 2011).