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The catchment area of the M ilesian colony of H istria, within the R azim‐ S inoie lagoon complex ( R omania): hydrogeomorphologic, economic and geopolitical implications
Author(s) -
Romanescu Gheorghe
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
area
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1475-4762
pISSN - 0004-0894
DOI - 10.1111/area.12093
Subject(s) - structural basin , geography , settlement (finance) , watershed , drainage basin , hydrography , bay , archaeology , human settlement , geology , geomorphology , cartography , machine learning , world wide web , computer science , payment
The G reek colonies were founded in areas of economic and geo‐strategic interest. From this perspective, H istria benefited from the advantages offered by the sea, the delta (the D anube R iver) and the coastal zone. It also benefited from the continental resources within the hydrographic basin corresponding to the R azim‐ S inoie lagoon complex. This study combines physical geography (especially geomorphology) and archaeological parameters to delimit, according to the deontological principles, the sphere of influence of the city of H istria and the manner of settlement of the G reek cities. The study delimits H istria's area of influence along the coastal fringe and hinterland. The principles behind the study (the delimiting of the hydrographic basins as areas of influence) represent a novel approach in Romanian archaeology. The closure of the Halmyris bay began around 3000 bp and the city of H istria ceased activity around 2000–1500 years bp . The coastal settlements were based on exploitation of marine resources as well as those provided by the land. When trying to delimit the area under the influence of the G reek city of H istria, one has to take into account the existence of geological and soil resources, but excluding local topography. Based on geomorphological and cartographic rules, as well as local considerations, the area served by the city was delimited. The limits follow the outline of the watershed closing the lagoon complex. From this perspective, three types of territory (horizons) were delimited. Each of the delimitations is based on geographic criteria: topography, resources and geo‐strategy.