Using the water power in preindustrial Banat. A historical archaeology study on the Lower Timiș River Cover Image

Using the water power in preindustrial Banat. A historical archaeology study on the Lower Timiș River
Using the water power in preindustrial Banat. A historical archaeology study on the Lower Timiș River

Author(s): Cristian Floca, Florin Gogâltan, Alexandru Hegyi, Patrick Chiroiu, Sorin Forțiu
Subject(s): Archaeology, 18th Century, 19th Century
Published by: Editura Mega Print SRL
Keywords: historical archaeology; river archaeology; watermills; Timiș River; dendrochronology;

Summary/Abstract: One of the most important uses of water throughout history is its use as energy source. According to documents, the low plain area of the Banat, crossed by many rivers and streams was a watermills’ land for several centuries. The recent field research we have conducted confirms the high density of these structures in a segment of the lower Timiș, south of the Timișoara city, an almost unknown and endangered river heritage. A careful archaeological documenting of the situation on site contrasted with the analysis of dozens of historical maps and certain background data provided by history and dendrochronology, allowed us to outline a spatial and temporal picture of these hydraulic systems. We undertake this investigation as a small, first step of a resourceful research subdomain, necessary for the historical specificity of the Banat, namely river archaeology or riverscape archaeology as an integral part of historical archaeology.

  • Issue Year: 35/2021
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 371-418
  • Page Count: 48
  • Language: English