Visual Connectivity and Control in Ancient Lucania

Abstract

The fortified centres of Lucania are the most obvious extant archaeological remains of the ‘Lucanian’ period, (5th to 2nd century BC.) in what is now substantially modern‐day Basilicata in Southern Italy. They are a prominent part of the archaeological record. Almost all of these centres seem to have been established with elevation in mind. By looking at the entire corpus of known sites this thesis seeks to answer some important questions. Were their topographical positions influenced by an ability to remain in visual contact with each other? Were their positions influenced by the amount of visual control their elevated position afforded over a number of important communication and trade routes? By combining a GIS analysis with an on‐the‐ground inspection of each site I have established some clarity on the issue of visual connectivity and control in ancient Lucania.