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Cited by 29Archaeological Research and ProtectionUrban Design and Spatial AnalysisArchaeology and Cultural Heritage

Reconstructing historical journeys with least-cost analysis: colonel william leake in the mani peninsula, greece

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Seifried, Rebecca M., Gardner, Chelsea A.M.·2019·Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
DOI 10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.01.014
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Abstract

Abstract Due to the proliferation of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software and the improvement of graphic user interfaces, least-cost analysis has become one of the most common tools in archaeological research for modelling movement across past landscapes. While more complex techniques and algorithms have been developed to address the theoretical limitations of least-cost analysis, many of these are not readily accessible to typical GIS users, due to either hardware limitations or a lack of in-depth training in the theory and methods of spatial analysis. Seeking a middle ground, we test a number of simple modifications to basic least-cost analysis using the Mani peninsula in southern Greece as a case study. We assess eight procedures for calculating least-cost paths (LCPs), defining cost based on a combination of slope and the location of pre-modern pathways. These procedures are used to generate LCPs for a well-documented journey made by Colonel William Martin Leake in the year 1805. Comparing the LCPs against Leake's detailed notes and “low-cost corridors,” we visually assess the reliability of each model and identify likely alternative routes. We conclude that a simple modification to basic least-cost analysis – incorporating a time-based algorithm along with traces of pre-modern footpaths and roads – can produce robust, reliable least-cost models in other archaeological contexts where traces of pre-modern pathways can still be detected.

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Moschos, 1982, The palaeomaniatika: the transition from ancient polis to Byzantine chora, Ekistics, 49, 261
  2. Wagstaff, 1996, John Philip Morier's account of the Mani, 1804, vol. 1993, 273

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Authors
Seifried, R. M., & Gardner, C. A. M.
Venue
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2019-04
Volume
24
Pages
391-411
ISSN
2352-409X (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.jasrep.2019.01.014
OpenAlex
W2912245552
Semantic Scholar
d9164ade4c664da8a7a8f730719de47e74223ef3
Cited by
29
References
58
Citations by year
2026: 1 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 2 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 5 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 3
FWCI
9.84
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
Journal of Archaeological Science Reports (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation (BCS-1346694)
  • DigitalGlobe Foundation
  • National Cadastre and Mapping Agency, SA
  • ArchaeoLandscapes Europe
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • Society of Women Geographers
  • Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (H2020-MSCA-IF-2016 750843)
  • Archaeological Institute of America
  • Mount Allison University
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Earth and Planetary Sciences › Space and Planetary Science › Archaeological Research and Protection
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Building and Construction › Urban Design and Spatial Analysis
  • Social Sciences › Cultural Studies › Archaeology and Cultural Heritage
Keywords
cost-minimization analysis, least-cost path, historical journey, Mani Peninsula, historic roads, route reconstruction

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