Agro-Environmental Approach and Management of Mediterranean Archaeological Areas

Traditionally archaeological sites have been considered only for their hystorical and cultural aspects, without attributing particular importance to the environmental context or to the landscape in which they are included. In this work we outline an integrated and holistic approach toward the planning and protection of archaeological sites, taking into consideration the physical landscape and biological environment around them. Such a multi-pronged, cross-disciplinary approach helps formulate better site management while conserving and sustaining the site’s archaeological structures and environmental resources. In this paper this approach is developed by presenting a case study at the archaeological excavation of Tilmen Höyük, in the South-East region of Turkey (Anatolia). The study’s aim was to employ integrated strategies for reducing damage to the surrounding environment by the excavations, while enhancing the existing environmental features of the surrounding habitat. The study included climate, topography, soil, hydrology, vegetation, weed control and site management. Finally, this integrated information was stored, analyzed and interpreted using a geographic information system.