Dr. Marston will present the results of recent research carried out at the site of ancient Gordion, the famed Phyrgian royal capital (and seat of King Midas) and eventual Roman fort.
Why do some agricultural systems flourish over the long term while others lead to environmental degradation and contribute to societal collapse? Archaeological data offer a unique long-term perspective on the sustainability of agriculture. Recent work from an ancient urban center in central Anatolia indicates how complex agricultural strategies were employed to adapt to coincident environmental and social change on both local and regional scales. Regional archaeological and ecological datasets are integrated to consider the environmental and economic drivers and consequences of imperial expansion over the last several thousand years.
Lunch and refreshments will be provided.