Landscapes of water and landscapes of power: hydraulic politics in Butrint (Albania) between Venetians and Ottomans

Archaeological evidence from Butrint, Albania, reveals how hydraulic landscapes and water management strategies evolved between Venetian (14th–18th centuries) and Ottoman (19th–20th centuries) rule, reflecting shifts in political power and local economies. The study demonstrates that changes in water infrastructure—such as canals, irrigation systems, and settlement patterns—were not merely functional but deeply tied to broader hydraulic politics. These adaptations influenced regional landscapes, economic activities, and settlement dynamics, illustrating the complex interplay between environmental manipulation and governance in a border area. The research underscores the significance of water resources as both a tool for control and a catalyst for social transformation.

Carvajal López, J. C. (2019). Landscapes of water and landscapes of power: hydraulic politics in Butrint (Albania) between Venetians and Ottomans. Levant, 51(2), 184–200. https://doi.org/10.1080/00758914.2020.1794714