Long-term landuse dynamics within the areas of prehistoric ritual places

(GA ČR; 25-15795K)

The Neolithic monuments were symbolically structuring landscape for centuries. How did the successive communities treat the monumental areas and did they reuse the ritual sites of their ancestors? Did these places retain their spiritual purpose or were they incorporated into the profane settlement area? Awareness of the ritual purpose of the space was certainly passed down in oral tradition, strongly supported by their visibility in the landscape.

We aim to investigate the development and perception of ritual site by successive generations. Combining archaeological and natural science methods to analyse the dynamics of disappearance of monuments and reconstruct the change in perception of such sites.

The project will focus on 2 areas representing different landuse pattern: long continuity of ritual activities and area where ritual activities were followed by residential complexes. We believe that quanlitatively new data can be obtained by employing of interdisciplinary research maintaining comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of landscape from the Neolithic to the present day.