Palaeoenvironments and palaeotopography of a multilayered city during the Etruscan and Roman periods: early interaction of fluvial processes and urban growth at Pisa (Tuscany, Italy)

摘要: A critical geoarchaeological approach, based on fully integrated archaeological, geomorphological and stratigraphic data, allowed for the identification of palaeoenvironments, palaeotopography urban growth patterns Pisa (NW Italy) during Etruscan (first half 5th century BC–first 1st BC) Roman (second BC–2nd AD) periods. This powerful methodology, aerial satellite images, electrical resistivity tomography, LiDAR, core analysis, led to reconstruction landscape evolution, highlighting human–environment interactions. During periods, saw a fast expansion in dense unstable fluvial network. Wide portions city were characterised by poorly drained conditions until AD, when alluvial plain became well under increasing anthropogenic pressure (Roman Centuriatio). Poorly floodplains channel-related backswamps represent topographically lowest zones ancient Pisa. developed within an intricate pattern palaeochannels, related two main rivers: palaeoArno, which flowed proximity its present position, former palaeoSerchio river, known as Auser flowing northern part city. Since times, mounded relief was formed historical centre Pisa, becoming wider more prominent (up ca. 2 m a.s.l.) period, concomitant with southward rapid tissue. Nevertheless, substantially followed city's fabric, marked concentration structures (public private buildings) manufacturing sites relief, close Auser. The River thus played crucial role environmental topographic evolution area.