Chapter 4. Geomorphological dynamics and the occupancy of the Letoon shrine (Xanthos plain, Turkey) during the last 5000 years

Research at the Letoon shrine, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Xanthos-Letoon in southwestern Anatolia, reveals significant geomorphological dynamics that have influenced human occupancy over the past 5000 years. The study demonstrates how changes in the deltaic plain of the Eşen Çayı River (anciently known as Xanthus) have shaped the landscape and affected the site's use by ancient civilizations. By analyzing sediment layers, archaeological remains, and environmental data, scientists reconstructed the evolution of the region, showing periods of stability and upheaval that correlated with human settlement patterns. This work provides a deeper understanding of how natural processes interact with cultural landscapes, offering insights into the resilience and adaptability of past societies in response to environmental changes.

Écochard, É., Fouache, É., Courtils, J. d., & Cavalier, L. (2015). Chapter 4. Geomorphological dynamics and the occupancy of the Letoon shrine (Xanthos plain, Turkey) during the last 5000 years. La Géoarchéologie Française Au Xxie Siècle, 55–67. https://doi.org/10.4000/books.editionscnrs.21948