Local Research on Topography, Historical Toponomastics, and Traces of Ancient Roads between Val di Pesa and Val d’Orme

The paper gives a short account on the topography and settlement geography of the study area. A first focus is laid on toponyms and the possible hints the naming of settlements can give. In a second step the paper highlights traffic routes and their traces in the region of Empoli and the valleys of Orme, Virginio and Pesa in Northern Tuscany which have been studies through geomorphological observations, reconnaissance and intensive surveys and the study of historical maps and other archival sources. After treating the main connection routes in Roman times like the via Quinctia the focus is laid on the minor roads in order to overcome the one-sided view on the larger Roman roads. By that a more detailed picture of the connectivity of the region studied is gained and the various historical layers of mobility are identified.

toponyms

traffic routes

landscapes of mobility

settlement geography

application/pdf

Roman Rural Landscapes Monograph Series

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Günther Schörner (ed.), The Vienna Orme and Pesa Valley Project: Proceedings of the International Workshop held at Vienna, June 22–23, 2018

Vienna

Projektinitiative Roman Rural Landscapes am Institut für Klassische Archäologie der Universität Wien