Micro-ecologies and economic strategies in Antiquity: reconstructing waterscapes potentialities in the Razelm-Golovița lagoons through geoarchaeology

In this paper, we discuss possible waterscape exploitation of Razelm-Golovița lagoon system in Antiquity using a new paleo-environmental reconstruction and a revision of relative and absolute chronologies of the evolution of the southern Danube Delta in relation to the historical development of the Greek settlements of Orgame, Caraburun-Acic Suat and Istros. The sites are located in a highly dynamic fluvio-lagoonal environment with diverse physical contexts and complex processes at play, including sedimentary budget, proximity to fluvial mouths, relative sea level mobility, currents, and littoral drift.Through a geoarchaeological perspective of these ancient Greek settlements, we propose a new approach to understanding the factors at play in the territorial exploitation of the natural resources. By conducting a multi-proxy high-resolution analysis of three new sedimentary cores and a study of the micro-ecologies of the ancient colonial territories, we obtained a novel picture of the natural potentialities of the lagoons in Antiquity and the role of eco-determinism and of social and political choices in their exploitation.Furthermore, we investigate the horothesia, a legal document that outlines Istros’ territorial borders, and served as a legal tool for regulating access and control of the lagoon resources. The analysis of this document in relation to the paleo-environmental reconstruction and historical context provides insights into how the cities adapted to the changing environmental conditions and political instability in the region. Ultimately, our research underscores the interconnectedness between the exploitation of natural resources, environmental dynamics, and social and political factors in shaping the development of ancient Greek settlements in the Danube Delta.