Landscape Archaeology for Walkers: Reading the Historic Terrain

The physical landscape around us is a living document of human history, containing subtle clues of ancient settlements, forgotten pathways, and centuries of agricultural labor. This text-based course teaches you how to recognize and interpret these historic features on your outdoor walks. Through written explanations, step-by-step guides, and practical exercises, you will learn to see the terrain through the eyes of an archaeologist. You will start with foundational concepts of landscape formation and archaeological terminology before exploring how to analyze physical and digital records. What you'll learn: Learn the core principles of landscape archaeology and how human activity shapes the earth; Identify the physical markers of ancient hillforts, burial mounds, Roman roads, and medieval field systems; Analyze historical boundaries, pathways, and woodland features to reconstruct past environments; Utilize modern digital tools, such as open-source LiDAR data and satellite imagery, to reveal hidden structures; Interpret historical maps and compare them with modern landscapes to track changes over time; Plan and conduct your own archaeological walks safely, legally, and ethically. This course begins with essential terminology and the basics of earthwork identification before guiding you through map-reading and digital research techniques. It is designed entirely for beginners, hikers, and history enthusiasts with no prior background in archaeology. Turn your next walk into a journey through time and uncover the hidden history beneath your feet.