Revealing Extensive Protohistoric Field Systems through High Resolution LIDAR Data in the Northern Part of Belgium

Abstract

Revealing Extensive Protohistoric Field Systems through High Resolution LIDAR Data in the Northern Part of Belgium

Through the analysis of new LIDAR data with a mean resolution of 8 measuring points / m2 a survey was conducted of the Campine plateau, an area which is known to harbour many protohistoric sites, including several field complexes (Celtic fields) as revealed through aerial photography and a previous LIDAR survey with a lower resolution. This approach revealed a large number of previously unknown Celtic fields, extending these prehistoric field complexes to several hundreds of hectares. The presence of other known archaeological finds and sites within the confines or surrounding the field systems suggests that the complexes on the Campine plateau were mainly in use during the Hallstatt C-D and Early La Tène periods. On a broader regional scale the distribution of Celtic fields in Flanders seems to be related to areas with slightly richer (loamier) sandy soils, i. e. the northern part of the Campine plateau and a region in the Antwerp Campine region. These newly discovered and extended structured complexes foremost provide an important framework for further spatial analysis, research and management of the protohistoric landscape.