Path network modelling and network of aggregated settlements: a case study in Languedoc (Southeastern France)

This paper describes the contribution of path modelling to the ancient settlement pattern study over the long term. The path modelling methodology is a stimulating tool, which is complementary to the hierarchical approaches in the landscape archaeology since it contributes to the understanding of the spatial relation between archaeological sites. The existing methodology was enhanced by enlarging the set of path reconstitution parameters (visibility) and by modelling in two scales. The proposed model is based on parameters derived merely from the relief because its changes should be insignificant even over a long period time