Le aree umide e lagunari tra la costa e l’entroterra ravennate: metodi di indagine ed evoluzione del paesaggio dall’età romana al Medioevo

The Ravenna coastland has undergone significant transformation due to natural and anthropogenic factors, which both shaped this landscape over time. Geomorphological processes, climate fluctuations, sea level variations, extreme events, and human activities related to settlements and production systems have played pivotal roles in this evolution. The interaction between these elements has led to diverse forms of occupation and exploitation in the region. Within this geographical context located in the Ravenna Greater Region and characterised by still-existing and former wetlands and lagoons, the University of Bologna has carried out multidisciplinary research since 2019. The study area includes wetlands formed by the Apennine rivers and the Po to the north of the city of Ravenna, as well as more geologically stable regions like the Cervia salt ponds to the south. The study employs varying methodological approaches to account for the different post-depositional processes observed in the archaeological deposits of these two areas. Additionally, the research explores the distinct historical socio-ecological processes that have influenced human occupation and resource exploitation. Our findings shed light on the complexity of landscape transformations in the wetlands around Ravenna from the Roman period to the Middle Ages. Despite differences in local settlement patterns, the research underscores the historical significance of these areas in relation to Ravenna. Notably, activities such as salt cultivation in the Cervia lagoons and fishing and pinewood exploitation to the north emerged as crucial components of the historical socio-ecological systems during the Middle Ages.