After World War II huge land consolidation projects measuring thousands
of hectares were carried out in West-Frisia. Large scale excavations of
Bronze Age settlement sites were carried out resulting in a convincing
model for the Bronze Age habitation of West-Frisia. This model envisaged
settlement sites situated on creek ridges in an open almost treeless
landscape. After a sudden change in climate c. 800 cal BC parts of the
landscape were inundated, peat bogs developed and West-Frisia was
abandoned by man. It was widely believed that this densely inhabited
Bronze Age landscape was almost completely destroyed during the land
consolidation projects. At the start of this century, however, it turned
out that well preserved Bronze Age settlement sites still exist in
West-Frisia. These sites were not only well-preserved but also situated
at unexpected locations. The excavation results also gave reason to
think of the presence of woodlands and forests during the Bronze Age.
This thesis tries to unite the excavation results from the period of
land consolidation and those of the later development led projects. In
this thesis the palaeogegraphy is described at three scale levels.
West-Frisia, the land consolidation project of Westwoud and several
settlement sites. Based on an analysis of excavation results and
environmental proxy data, a new model for the development of the
landscape and habitation of West-Frisia during the Bronze Age emerges.
For the construction of the palaeogeographical maps of Westwoud, a new
approach is used, based on, amongst others, macro botanical remains. The
thesis concludes with an alternative strategy for the prospection of
Bronze Age sites in West-Frisia. This thesis is of interest for anyone
who is professionally interested in the habitation history of
West-Frisia and people who are professionally engaged with
palaeogeographical and vegetation reconstructions.
