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Article . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY NC ND
Data sources: Datacite
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Ghost centuriation of Roman Istria: new evidence from lidar survey

Authors: Čučković, Zoran; Fovet, Élise;

Ghost centuriation of Roman Istria: new evidence from lidar survey

Abstract

This study presents new evidence of Roman centuriation in northern Istria (Croatia), a region previously considered devoid of such land division systems. While the centuriation grid of southern Istria—linked to the Roman colonies of Pola (Pula) and Parentium (Poreč)—have been documented since the 19th century, its northern extent remained unexplored until now. Using the Croatian national lidar data (2022–2023), we identified fossilized traces of Roman limites (cadastral boundaries) in the form of micro-reliefs (low embankments) and, primarily preserved in overgrown or forested areas. These features align with the 20 × 20 actus module (≈707 m) and NNE–SSW orientation characteristic of Istrian centuriation, confirming the grid’s extension across the 80 km of the western Istrian coast. This discovery shows that centuriation was not limited to Istrian administrative boundaries as previously thought. Instead, it suggests a unified survey campaign across the peninsula. Unlike the south of the peninsula, where Roman boundaries still shape present-day field systems, traces in northern Istria are abandoned or "ghost" features, invisible without high-resolution topographic methods (lidar data and appropriate algorithms, in this case TPI and Toposhade). The study underscores the role of geology and taphonomy in preserving—or erasing—ancient landscapes, while demonstrating lidar’s potential to revisit "invisible" archaeological features. Future research may further revise Istria’s centuriation extent by targeting overgrown areas and subtle ploughsoil anomalies.

Keywords

Lidar, Landscape archaeology, Archaeology, Roman World

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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