The Concept of Landscape in Processual Archaeology and its Conceptual Tools: An Overview
Abstrak
This article examines the concept of landscape in processual archaeology and its conceptual tools, with a focus on the Anglo-Saxon world. In this approach, «landscape» is equated with the ecological «environment,» informed by American ecological anthropology and systems theory. Cultures are viewed as adaptive subsystems in equilibrium with natural systems, where environmental changes prompt sociocultural responses. Butzer’s framework analyses micro-, meso-, and macro-environmental scales using techniques like photointerpretation and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. The landscape is seen as dynamic, shaped by human activity, supporting explanations for demographic patterns and the rise and fall of civilisations like Egypt and Axum. Quantitative tools, such as Willey’s settlement-pattern analysis and Christaller’s central-place theory, help identify behavioural patterns and resource distribution. This functionalist approach overlooks symbolic aspects of the landscape.
Topik & Kata Kunci
Penulis (1)
Mara Beatriz Agosto
Akses Cepat
- Tahun Terbit
- 2025
- Sumber Database
- DOAJ
- DOI
- 10.5944/etfi.18.2025.45956
- Akses
- Open Access ✓