LCPA Applied on Prediction of Ancient Road System Connecting Yambol District, Bulgaria, with the Mediterranean
Abstract
This contribution is based on results of Tundzha Regional Archaeological Project (TRAP), taking place in the watershed of upper Tundzha River between 2008-2011. Systematically surveyed areas by TRAP in Yambol district extend between two small rivers: Gerenska on the north and Dereorman on the south, both empting into the Tundzha River.
During the survey an area of 40 sq km was covered disclosing 13 multi-period sites, all located along the rivers. Results of TRAP raised question concerning manners of connectivity of the sites with the Mediterranean, clearly demonstrated by imported Greek and Roman transport amphorae of Aegean provenience.
Both mentioned rivers are too small to be navigable; therefore roads come to a consideration. Along the southern bank of the Dereorman River remains of such a local road might be seen.
It is represented by a horizontal cut in a foot of a hill, covered by loose stones. The predicted course of the road runs along the river, from east to west.
We may suppose it directed the via militaris which was leading along the Tundzha River. The road connected north as far as the Danube River with the south, heading towards Hadrianopolis.
Its existence is known from written sources but it was not localized in the terrain, as well as the other local roads which might be only suspected based to spatial distribution of settlements. Using LCPA we present a predictive model of possible local road system connecting this particular area with the Mediterranean, concerning both primary and secondary roads.