My research interests are focused on the spatial patterns of past human activity. Of particular interest are proto-historic periods such as the Chalcolithic period societies in the Southern Levant. In my research, I use both archaeological and geomorphological data, which are modified and analyzed using GIS softwares, and STATISTICA7 or MATLAB. The main goals of my study are to uncover the spatial patterns of past human activities and elucidate the ways in which the environmental setting influences them. Supervisors: Tal Svoray and Isaac Gilead Address: Huntington, NY
USA
Architecture reflects social aspects of past communities. Structure attributes such as shape, siz... more Architecture reflects social aspects of past communities. Structure attributes such as shape, size, building material and decoration, provide valuable information beyond their immediate structural function. However, while attributes such as size can be measured and therefore objectively compared between structures, the comparison of shape between structures is based on subjective observations. In the current study we use two quantification methods for analyzing prehistoric shape-based architectural data: (1) we developed a new method, Shape Reproducibility (SR), based on objective computerized procedure for analyzing the similarity and difference between shapes of ancient buildings; and (2) we use Continuous Symmetry Measure (CSM), a method which was originally developed for analyzing flint artifacts and ceramic vessels to objectively compare between shape symmetry. Applying these methods to settlement data of the Chalcolithic period enables quantification of the level of architectural similarity within and between different sites and their comparison to architectural data of later periods, such as the Early Bronze Age II urban center at Arad. Our CSM results suggest that the symmetry of architecture does not increase through time. Our SR findings demonstrate that in the main cultural Chalcolithic entity, the Ghassulian, the architecture of different sites could not be distinguished from one site to the other. In addition, we demonstrate that the architecture of the Chalcolithic sites in the Golan Heights is homogeneous and significantly differs from other Chalcolithic sites, while Ghassulian intra-site variability is higher. In comparison with Arad, however, this variability is relatively low and limited. These results suggest that status differentiation or hierarchical social organization cannot be indicated from Ghassulian architecture.► We developed a new method, Shape Reproducibility, which compares between architecture shapes. ► CSM results suggest that architectural symmetry does not increase through time. ► Intra-site Ghassulian architecture exhibits low variability in relation to EB Arad. ► Hierarchical social organization cannot be inferred from Ghassulian architecture.
Off-site secondary burial cemeteries in the southern Levant are an innovation of the Chalcolithic... more Off-site secondary burial cemeteries in the southern Levant are an innovation of the Chalcolithic period. Ethnographic studies suggest that location of burial places was one of the means used to establish and socially mediate ownership over the landscape. The current research examines whether the spatial pattern of burial sites during the Chalcolithic period in the southern Levant represents a land tenure system. Spatial analyses of burial and habitation sites located mainly along the central Israeli coastal area indicate that Ghassulian communities avoided locating their burial sites near habitation sites concentrations. Viewshed analysis indicates that the areas observed from burial sites are significantly larger than those observed from habitation sites, and that their location scattered across an area which increases rather than overlaps the size of area visible from the habitation sites. Furthermore, our results show that communities which wanted to claim land tenure over a larger territory use burial sites locations in order to maximize the observed area within habitation sites surroundings.► We examine the distribution of secondary burial sites across the landscape. ► We compare their spatial and visibility aspects to a matched control group. ► Areas seen from cemeteries are significantly larger than the areas seen from habitation sites. ► Their location increases the visible areas seen from habitation sites, rather than overlaps them. ► Distribution of secondary burial sites reflects an element of land tenure system.
Conclusions
•The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant... more Conclusions •The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant housing and field maintenance. •Small fields contributed to lower erosion intensity and higher plant biodiversity. •Traditional methods of land management (e.g., shallow plowing, terrace walls, grazing in forests) helped sustain the Mediterranean landscape. • Modern management of cultural and natural areas should rely on preservation of ancient remains as well as the application of traditional practices.
Architecture reflects social aspects of past communities. Structure attributes such as shape, siz... more Architecture reflects social aspects of past communities. Structure attributes such as shape, size, building material and decoration, provide valuable information beyond their immediate structural function. However, while attributes such as size can be measured and therefore objectively compared between structures, the comparison of shape between structures is based on subjective observations. In the current study we use two quantification methods for analyzing prehistoric shape-based architectural data: (1) we developed a new method, Shape Reproducibility (SR), based on objective computerized procedure for analyzing the similarity and difference between shapes of ancient buildings; and (2) we use Continuous Symmetry Measure (CSM), a method which was originally developed for analyzing flint artifacts and ceramic vessels to objectively compare between shape symmetry. Applying these methods to settlement data of the Chalcolithic period enables quantification of the level of architectural similarity within and between different sites and their comparison to architectural data of later periods, such as the Early Bronze Age II urban center at Arad. Our CSM results suggest that the symmetry of architecture does not increase through time. Our SR findings demonstrate that in the main cultural Chalcolithic entity, the Ghassulian, the architecture of different sites could not be distinguished from one site to the other. In addition, we demonstrate that the architecture of the Chalcolithic sites in the Golan Heights is homogeneous and significantly differs from other Chalcolithic sites, while Ghassulian intra-site variability is higher. In comparison with Arad, however, this variability is relatively low and limited. These results suggest that status differentiation or hierarchical social organization cannot be indicated from Ghassulian architecture.► We developed a new method, Shape Reproducibility, which compares between architecture shapes. ► CSM results suggest that architectural symmetry does not increase through time. ► Intra-site Ghassulian architecture exhibits low variability in relation to EB Arad. ► Hierarchical social organization cannot be inferred from Ghassulian architecture.
Off-site secondary burial cemeteries in the southern Levant are an innovation of the Chalcolithic... more Off-site secondary burial cemeteries in the southern Levant are an innovation of the Chalcolithic period. Ethnographic studies suggest that location of burial places was one of the means used to establish and socially mediate ownership over the landscape. The current research examines whether the spatial pattern of burial sites during the Chalcolithic period in the southern Levant represents a land tenure system. Spatial analyses of burial and habitation sites located mainly along the central Israeli coastal area indicate that Ghassulian communities avoided locating their burial sites near habitation sites concentrations. Viewshed analysis indicates that the areas observed from burial sites are significantly larger than those observed from habitation sites, and that their location scattered across an area which increases rather than overlaps the size of area visible from the habitation sites. Furthermore, our results show that communities which wanted to claim land tenure over a larger territory use burial sites locations in order to maximize the observed area within habitation sites surroundings.► We examine the distribution of secondary burial sites across the landscape. ► We compare their spatial and visibility aspects to a matched control group. ► Areas seen from cemeteries are significantly larger than the areas seen from habitation sites. ► Their location increases the visible areas seen from habitation sites, rather than overlaps them. ► Distribution of secondary burial sites reflects an element of land tenure system.
Conclusions
•The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant... more Conclusions •The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant housing and field maintenance. •Small fields contributed to lower erosion intensity and higher plant biodiversity. •Traditional methods of land management (e.g., shallow plowing, terrace walls, grazing in forests) helped sustain the Mediterranean landscape. • Modern management of cultural and natural areas should rely on preservation of ancient remains as well as the application of traditional practices.
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•The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant housing and field
maintenance.
•Small fields contributed to lower erosion intensity and higher plant biodiversity.
•Traditional methods of land management (e.g., shallow plowing, terrace walls, grazing in forests) helped
sustain the Mediterranean landscape.
• Modern management of cultural and natural areas should rely on preservation of ancient remains as well as
the application of traditional practices.
•The soil erosion rate was relatively lower when the area was settled due to constant housing and field
maintenance.
•Small fields contributed to lower erosion intensity and higher plant biodiversity.
•Traditional methods of land management (e.g., shallow plowing, terrace walls, grazing in forests) helped
sustain the Mediterranean landscape.
• Modern management of cultural and natural areas should rely on preservation of ancient remains as well as
the application of traditional practices.