Aerial photography of ‘celtic fields’ on gotland

Abstract

The author presents aerial photographs of the ‘Celtic fields’ at Rone on Gotland, Sweden. Distinct soil‐marks in the ploughed fields clearly demonstrate the extension of the fossilised field system, even on areas cultivated since the end of the 19th century. The ‘Celtic fields’ also show up on photographs of crop‐marks and shadow‐marks. Modern technique of deep ploughing destroys soil‐marks of ancient monuments like fields, mounds, forts and settlements, and it is important that resources should be placed at disposal for a more systematic surveying from the air. Interpretation of aerial photographs ought to be undertaken in the field in cooperation with geographers, archaeologists, geologists, and botanists.