GIS Analysis and Spatial Networking Patterns in Upland Ancient Warfare: The Roman Conquest of Dacia

Ioana A Oltean,João Fonte

doi:10.3390/geosciences11010017

Abstract

Generally seen as natural peripheries, upland landscapes present particular challenges both in terms of living, and of recording past human activity within. LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology has now brought considerable improvement in our ability to record and map surviving archaeological features, but not necessarily increased our appreciation of local agency. Though the iconic landscape around the Iron Age Dacian capital of Sarmizegetusa Regia (Romania) and its Roman conquest have long caught the attention of specialists and the wider public, both previous research and more recent results from an airborne LiDAR survey leave considerable gaps in our understanding of networking potential across this challenging landscape. Based on LiDAR and satellite-generated high- and mid-resolution topographic data, our paper employs an innovative combination of GIS (geographic information system) spatial analysis tools to examine the spatial relationships between Roman military bases, Dacian targets, and the wider landscape as an integral part of a wider interdisciplinary archaeological research. This helped us formulate and test spatial and historical hypotheses, according to which all known and potential Roman military bases in the study area functioned as part of a system where each contributed individual advantages in securing their domination across the landscape. Our research highlighted the advantages and challenges for Comărnicelu as one of the key Roman logistical nodes, and for the attackers at Şesului and Muncelu working in tandem to besiege and subdue Sarmizegetusa Regia. Our study raises doubts with respect of the fall and destruction of the hillfort at Vârfu lui Hulpe as a result of a Roman siege, making space for alternative political narratives. Ultimately, our findings help build a better understanding of this iconic world heritage landscape and its Roman conquest.

Highlights

Uplands tend to be seen as natural barriers, inhospitable and marginal, where living conditions are more challenging and constraining
The present study addresses the value of GIS-based spatial analysis tools to assess local agency and Roman warfare in upland landscapes, in the context of Emperor Trajan’s campaigns to conquer the ancient realm of Dacia, in modern Romania
We have adopted a complex GIS spatial analysis approach using ArcGIS 10.7.1 (Esri, Redlands, CA, USA) to help us model the spatial relationships between Roman military sites, Dacian hillforts and the surrounding landscape based on two available digital terrain models (DTM) (Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

Uplands tend to be seen as natural barriers, inhospitable and marginal, where living conditions are more challenging and constraining (see [1] for thorough discussion and bibliography) Their fragmented topography and climatic regime introduce daily cost and constant challenges, from food cultivation to movement, and from basic air quality to constant threats from climatic extremes. As upland positions provided, for example, desirable upper hand for military operations through hostile territories during war time. In such occasions, uplands provided much-needed cover and safety, and substantially increased possibilities for visual control and speedy intervention across the surrounding landscape

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion