RUNGHOLT - Combined geophysical, geoarchaeological and archaeological investigations in the Wadden Sea of North Frisia (Schleswig-Holstein, Germany) in the environs of the medieval trade centre Rungholt

• Applicants: Dr. Ruth Blankenfeldt, since 4/2023; Dr. Hanna Hadler; Dr. Ulf Ickerodt; Professor Dr. Andreas Vött; Dr. Dennis Wilken
• Subject Area: Physical Geography ; Classical, Roman, Christian and Islamic Archaeology
• Term: since 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 442822276

The 2nd phase of the RUNGHOLT project aims at the systematic detection of cultural landscape relics and their spatiotemporal analysis and interpretation in the tidal flats of Schleswig-Holstein, 6-8 km off the coast of the Nordstrand peninsula. The project focusses on the detailed reconstruction of the coastal palaeolandscape in the interplay of natural marsh formation, land reclamation and storm surge-related land losses. The influence of sea level changes and storms is taken into account.In four key areas, linked by prospection corridors, geophysical methods provide a comprehensive spatial overview. Results will be verified and calibrated by geoarchaeological-geomorphological investigations and are the basis for the archaeological-historical reconstruction in a geographical context.Geophysical prospections (CAU Kiel) aim at a high-resolution mapping of settlement remains, dikes and agricultural areas for the Rungholt period (about 1200-1362) using multi-sensor systems and by combining areal prospection with high-resolution direct push-sensing. At specific sites, geoarchaeological-geomorphological investigations (JGU Mainz) will be carried out to verify and calibrate specific geophysical signatures. These studies are based on stratigraphic analysis, on the characterisation and interpretation of sedimentary facies obtained from vibracores, direct push-sensing as well as on the analysis of paleoenvironmental parameters and settlement indicators. Archaeological investigations will focus on exposed cultural remains (ditches, cisterns, dykes, etc.), and findings (ceramics, wood, metal, bones, etc.) are retrieved for further evaluation. Geoarchaeologically calibrated geophysical data will finally provide a reliable base for the archaeological-historical evaluation of the medieval settlement and cultural landscape in the environs of Rungholt (ALSH & ZSBA Schleswig).The overall objective for each key area is to synthesize geophysical mapping, geoarchaeological-geomorphological landscape analysis and archaeological evaluation to spatiotemporal scenarios of settlements and agricultural areas, buildings, bodies of water, etc. for the time slices before 1200 (semi-natural conditions), ca. 1200-1362 (intensive late medieval expansion) and after 1362 (massive land losses by 1. Grote Mandränke).By means of a synoptic 4D reconstruction of the key areas, relevant aspects of the landscape structure around Rungholt can finally be discussed, for example: What are the essential characteristics of the medieval settlement and land use structure, e.g. in terms of the spatial distribution of dwelling mounds, population density, path and ditch network? Did the extraction of salt-impregnated peat play a role? How did the ground level differ from the sea level at that time? Which factors caused the increased vulnerability of marsh settlements against storms like the 1362 flood compared to today?

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Claus von Carnap-Bornheim, until 3/2023