Modelling the Agricultural Landscapes of Republican Italy

Goodchild, H.; Witcher, R.E.

Abstract

In this paper, we review two recent models of Roman agriculture presented by Nathan Rosenstein and Paul Erdkamp. Firstly, we identify the similarities and differences between these models in terms of starting assumptions and variables, and evaluate the impact of these differences on their interpretation and significance. We then take these models and locate them within a ‘real world’ environment. This involves confronting theoretical ideals with the complexities of a specific landscape and, in particular, with the evidence of archaeological field survey. We take a small case study area in the ager Veientanus and outline a flexible Geographical Information System (GIS) methodology for modelling agricultural production, with broad implications for Roman demography and economy.

Citation

Goodchild, H., & Witcher, R. (2010). Modelling the Agricultural Landscapes of Republican Italy. In J. Carlsen, & E. Lo Cascio (Eds.), Agricoltura e scambi nell’Italia tardo repubblicana (187-220). Edipuglia

• Publication Date: Jul 1, 2010
• Deposit Date: Jul 23, 2010
• Pages: 187-220
• Book Title: Agricoltura e scambi nell’Italia tardo repubblicana.
• Keywords: Roman Italy, Agriculture, Demography, Modelling, GIS, Tenancy.
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1660689
• Publisher URL: http://www.edipuglia.it/volume.php?id=619
• Additional Information: This research derives from an invited paper presented at the 'Agricoltura e scambi nell’Italia tardo repubblicana' conference in Rome (Jan 2008).