Cited by 3Ancient and Medieval Archaeology StudiesArchaeological Research and ProtectionArchaeological and Geological Studies

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 5 of the 5 references it cites were found in a registry or an index; none of the 9 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Reconstructing Early Iron Age pathways in the Upper Rhine Valley

Open access
Faupel, Franziska·2017·Interdisciplinarité et nouvelles approches dans les recherches sur l'âge du Fer. Interdisciplinarity and New Approaches in the Research of the Iron Age. International Doctoral Conference 2015. Bibracte (France), 2015.

Abstract

Existing cultural mapping of the Early Iron Age in SouthwestGermany supposes that the Upper Rhine was a main communication corridor.However, precise location of routes, questions of the infrastructure and distribution remain unanswered.This paper focuses on reconstructing pathways as a starting point for further research on infrastructure, cultural distances and cultural morphology.An empiric pathway model will be reconstructed, based on the location of cemeteries.Resulting in paths following river banks or pointing to river crossings on both sides of the river.Those river crossings are also identified using small finds from the Bronze Age onwards.The reconstructed pathways are compared to theoretical models in order to determine parameters and conditions for location of paths.Different parameters, based on "Least-Cost-Path" applications, are used to establish three theoretical models.

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The paper reconstructs an empirical model of Early Iron Age pathways in the Upper Rhine Valley by treating grave mounds and other monuments as landmarks, then compares this model against three Least-Cost-Path (LCP) theoretical models. It finds continuity in the use of monuments as landmarks from the Bronze Age into the Early Iron Age, but concludes that none of the tested LCP functions adequately explains the empirical pathway.

Key findings

  • Empirical paths follow river banks on both sides of the Rhine and point to river crossings; at least three routes cross the Black Forest, and main paths on the right bank shift to the other bank in the upper quarter of the valley.
  • Empirical paths converge on Münsterberg from at least four directions, which the author interprets as evidence of its importance for communication and interaction, even though Fürstensitze locations were excluded from the model.
  • In the Hagenau Forest, river crossings identified via small finds show continuous use from the Bronze Age onwards (Logel 2007, p. 27–50), and grave mounds form clusters or lines pointing to the next burial ground (Wassong 2015, p. 318).
  • Comparison with LCP models showed divergence and overlap: the middle part of the walking-based LCP (Herzog 2013) corresponds well with the empirical model, while the driving-based LCP (critical slope 8%) "seems to have no influence on choice of paths" in this area; no LCP function explained the empirical model sufficiently.

Methods

  • Empirical pathway model built from the location of EIA grave mounds (including unpublished and unexcavated ones), using dynamic Kernel Density Estimation to find density ridges, with local density maxima recorded as nodes; a weighted Delaunay graph was used to assess the relative importance of possible routes (Nakoinz 2012a).
  • Three theoretical LCP models were compared to the empirical one: a driving model using wheeled vehicles with a critical slope of 8% (Herzog 2013), a walking model based on energy cost (Herzog 2013), and Tobler's (1993) walking-speed model.
  • Study area: the Upper Rhine Valley, with a finer-grained comparison in the Hagenau Forest; river crossings were cross-checked against small finds and other archaeological features.

Limitations

  • Stated by the paper: real traffic routes remain unknown in the EIA, and reconstructing a specific route is not feasible because routes likely shifted with weather and ground conditions; only a "path bundle" or "path corridor" can be reconstructed.
  • Stated by the paper: none of the LCP functions used explains the empirical model sufficiently, and existing LCP applications without additional cost surfaces or adaptation to the geographical area did not produce adequate theoretical models.
  • Evident from the text: the empirical model depends on the completeness and dating of grave mound data, including unpublished and unexcavated mounds, and the comparison is described as based on "preliminary results" of a case study.

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

Crossref · 10.5817/cz.muni.p210-8822-2017-17

Cites

5 of 5 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

Statistics

Nothing to recompute.

Verification

Claims the paper makes

0 of 9 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

  • Findingnone given

    Several river crossings can be identified by monument lines pointing to the river, sometimes from both river banks.

    “Several river crossings can be identified by monument lines pointing to the river, sometimes from both river banks.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    River crossings are also identified using small finds from the Bronze Age onwards.

    “Those river crossings are also identified using small finds from the Bronze Age onwards.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Findingown data

    An empirical pathway model based on cemetery locations yields paths following river banks or pointing to river crossings on both sides of the river.

    “Resulting in paths following river banks or pointing to river crossings on both sides of the river.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    Main routes are located alongside the rivers on each side of the Black Forest Mountains.

    “As demonstrated in Figure 1, main routes are located alongside the rivers on each side of the Black Forest Mountains.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingnone given

    At least three routes across the Black Forest indicate connections between areas on each side.

    “At least three routes across the Black Forest indicate connections between areas on each side.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 8
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 15
  • Borderline: one of the tests for a substantial claim is unclear. 1
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    A comparison between the LCP and the empirical pathway in the area around Hagenau shows some divergence and overlaps with the empirical model.

    “A comparison between the LCP and the empirical pathway in the area around Hagenau shows some interesting divergence and overlaps with the empirical model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingcitation

    Driving (Herzog 2013, driving) seems to have no influence on choice of paths, or the applied cost function in this geographical area.

    “Driving (Herzog 2013, driving) seems to have no influence on choice of paths, or the applied cost function in this geographical area.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Herzog 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    Grave mounds lying outside the calculated empirical model, but matching Tobler's LCP, need further interpretation.

    “Especially grave mounds lying outside the calculated empirical model, but matching Tobler's LCP need further interpretation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Findingnone given

    The described method to estimate empirical pathways operates efficiently.

    “The described method to estimate empirical pathways operates efficiently, but none of the LCP functions used explains sufficiently the location of the empirical model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Borderline substantial claim. It is unclear whether the paper’s conclusions depend on it. It is unclear why the paper says it holds.

    Findingnone given

    On the latitude of the northern extent of the Black Forest Mountains, river crossings are again traced by the empirical model.

    “On the latitude of the northern extent of the Black Forest Mountains, river crossings are again traced by the empirical model.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Grave mounds as monuments are clearly recognizable as human interference in landscape and can be used as pathway-corresponding features in IA contexts.

    “Grave mounds as monuments are clearly recognizable as human interference in landscape and can be used as pathwaycorresponding features in IA contexts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Landmarks are intended to be seen, otherwise they would not serve their purpose.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    One LCP analysis based on walking considers energy cost, resulting in the least exhausting way.

    “One considers energy cost while walking (here: Herzog 2013, walking) resulting in the least exhausting way (Herzog 2013, p. 183).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Herzog 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Reconstructing a "path bundle" or a "path corridor" using monuments as landmarks will help to understand ways of communication in IA times.

    “But reconstructing a “path bundle” or a “path corridor” using monuments as landmarks will help to understand the ways of communication in IA times.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Landmarks are intended to be seen, otherwise they would not serve their purpose.
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisereasoning

    Real traffic routes remain unknown in the EIA, but reconstructing pathways using location of monuments results in an empiric pathway model.

    “Real traffic routes remain unknown in the EIA, but reconstructing pathways using the location of monuments results in an empiric pathway model.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisenone given

    The Rhine connects the Alps, Central France, and thereby the Mediterranean area with northern Europe.

    “It connects the Alps, Central France, and thereby the Mediterranean area with northern Europe.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Tobler's LCP analysis considers intuitive walking speed, resulting in the quickest way.

    “The second by Tobler is repeatedly used in archaeological studies considering intuitive walking speed resulting therefore in the quickest way (Tobler 1993).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Tobler 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    The first LCP application (Herzog 2013, driving) is based on wheeled vehicles using a critical slope value of 8%.

    “The first LCP application (here: Herzog 2013, driving) is based on the use of wheeled vehicles using a critical slope value of 8 % (Herzog 2013, p. 183).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Herzog 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • Rests on an assumption: Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisenone given

    The location of the Rhine in Central Europe as main part of a vast system of waterways is one reason for its importance from EIA times until today.

    “The location of the Rhine in Central Europe as the main part of a vast system of waterways is one reason for its importance from EIA times until today (Fig. 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisereasoning

    Once-in-a-lifetime travels, like a crusade, are unlikely to be optimised as the terrain is unknown or local guides lead incorrectly.

    “Once-in-a-lifetime travels, like a crusade, are unlikely to be optimised as the terrain is unknown or local guides lead incorrectly for various reasons.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.
  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Monuments like Neolithic gallery graves or Bronze Age grave mounds were still visible in the Iron Age, as are Iron Age grave mounds today.

    “Monuments like Neolithic gallery graves or Bronze Age (BA) grave mounds were still visible, much like grave mounds built in the IA are still vi sible in today's landscape.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Using tracks, routes were likely slightly shifted depending on weather conditions to harder ground or higher level.

    “Using tracks, it is highly likely that, depending on weather conditions, routes were slightly shifted to harder ground or to a higher level.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    According to its geological appearance, the Upper Rhine Valley seems to be an ideal communication corridor and thus a promising study area.

    “According to its geological appearance, the Upper Rhine Valley seems to be an ideal communication corridor and thus a promising study area.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Nakoinz demonstrated a heterogeneous cultural pattern of EIA in Baden-Württemberg without a clear relationship between Fürstensitze and surrounding territories.

    “Using cultural mapping as a method to investigate cultural borders, Nakoinz demonstrated a heterogeneous cultural pattern of EIA in Baden-Württemberg without a clear relationship between Fürstensitze and surrounding territories.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nakoinz 2013

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisenone given

    Optimising is unlikely for paths of specific purpose, like processions in cultic contexts or paths avoiding tabooed areas.

    “Also, optimising is unlikely for paths of specific purpose, like processions in cultic contexts or paths avoiding tabooed areas.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
    • Rests on an assumption: Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.
  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The potential to identify river crossings using the location of grave mounds might help to describe the infrastructure of the Upper Rhine Valley more precisely.

    “The potential to identify river crossings using the location of grave mounds might help to describe the infrastructure of the Upper Rhine Valley more precisely.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    On the eastern part, the divergence could be a result of using the shortest path instead of a random walk estimation.

    “On the eastern part, the divergence could be a result of using the shortest path instead of a random walk estimation.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationnone given

    Avoiding the use of specific way stations in the LCP calculation might be responsible for the western part of this connection.

    “Avoiding the use of specific way stations in the LCP calculation might be responsible for the western part of this connection.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim
22 of 22
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Existing cultural mapping of the Early Iron Age in Southwest Germany supposes that the Upper Rhine was a main communication corridor.

    “Existing cultural mapping of the Early Iron Age in SouthwestGermany supposes that the Upper Rhine was a main communication corridor.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Precise location of routes, questions of infrastructure and distribution remain unanswered.

    “However, precise location of routes, questions of the infrastructure and distribution remain unanswered.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Optimisation of routes surely happened if a connection has been used frequently over a longer period.

    “Optimisation of routes surely happened, if a connection has been used frequently over a longer period.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.

    “Traders connecting settlements will use the shortest, quickest or safest way to reach their destination.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Zigzag paths are undesirable.

    “The method will result in efficient paths, as zigzag paths are assumed to be undesirable.”
  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Fürstensitze were assumed to be more than economic centres as defined by Christaller, but also cultural and religious centres inhabited by a noble family.

    “Fürstensitze were assumed to be more than economic centres as defined by Christaller (Christaller 1933), but also cultural and religious centres inhabited by a noble family.”
  • The paper relies on this without support.

    Landmarks are intended to be seen, otherwise they would not serve their purpose.

    “Landmarks are intended to be seen, otherwise they would not serve their purpose.”
7 of 7

Self-check

Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.

Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.

  • Wassong citation points outside the listed page range

    Minor

    The text cites page 318 of Wassong 2015, but the reference lists that work on pages 1153-1162.

1 of 1

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. Tremblay Cormier 2013 : TREMBLAY CORMIER (L.). – Identités culturelles et interactions entre Rhin et Rhône du 10e au 5e siècle avant notre ère : dynamiques sociales et échanges. Dijon : université de Bourgogne, 2013 (doctoral thesis).
  2. Wassong 2015 : WASSONG (R.). – Tumulus et milieux humides. Rites, ostentation et lieux de passages. Les tertres de l'âge du Fer dans le fossé rhénan. In : OLMER (F.), ROURE (R.) dir. – Les Gaulois au fil de l'eau, Actes du 37e colloque international de l'AFEAF de Montpellier, 8-11 mai 2013. Bordeaux : éd. Ausonius, vol. 2, 2015, p. 1153-1162.

Cited by

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Metadata

Authors
Faupel, F.
Venue
Interdisciplinarité et nouvelles approches dans les recherches sur l'âge du Fer. Interdisciplinarity and New Approaches in the Research of the Iron Age. International Doctoral Conference 2015. Bibracte (France), 2015.
Published
2017
Pages
109-113
OpenAlex
W2810346819
Cited by
3
References
5
Citations by year
2021: 2 · 2019: 1
FWCI
5.38
Type
conference paper
Language
fr
Open access
Locations
International Doctoral Conference: Interdisciplinarity and New Approaches in the Research of the Iron Age (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Ancient and Medieval Archaeology Studies
  • Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeological Research and Protection
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Archaeological and Geological Studies
Keywords
Early Iron Age, Upper Rhine Valley, communication routes, river crossing, cemeteries, cultural distance, culture morphology, riverbanks, settlement distribution

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