Continuity, Resilience, and Change in Rural Settlement Patterns from the Roman to Islamic Period in the Sicani Mountains (Central-Western Sicily)

A new study reveals how rural settlement patterns in the Sicani Mountains of central-western Sicily evolved from Roman to Islamic periods, highlighting dynamics of continuity, resilience, and change. Strategic location between Palermo and Agrigento played a pivotal role in communication networks across these eras. The research integrates archaeological fieldwork with GIS-based spatial and statistical analyses, incorporating topographic (elevation, slope, aspect, TPI, distance to water) and ecological factors (vegetation series). This approach elucidates the complex transition dynamics from Roman settlement systems to Islamic landscape formation, offering insights into the interplay between historical developments and environmental factors in shaping rural landscapes. The findings contribute significantly to understanding the long-term impacts of cultural and environmental changes on settlement patterns.

Castrorao Barba, A., Aleo Nero, C., Battaglia, G., Zambito, L., Virga, L., Messina, A., Cangemi, M., & Bazan, G. (2024). Continuity, Resilience, and Change in Rural Settlement Patterns from the Roman to Islamic Period in the Sicani Mountains (Central-Western Sicily). Land, 13(3), 400. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030400