The fall, crisis or transformation? Correlation of the late antique settlement pattern changes with environment and climate fluctuations in the north-eastern Adriatic region based on results of geoarchaeological and palaeoclimatic research

The research within the project "The Fall, Crisis, or Transformation? Correlation of the Late Antique Settlement Pattern Changes with Environment and Climate Fluctuations in the North-Eastern Adriatic Region Based on Results of Geoarchaeological and Palaeoclimatic Research" aims to reconstruct the interactions between the environment and society in the North-Eastern Adriatic during late antiquity by analyzing various types of data utilized in archaeological research that indicate human settlement changes. It focuses on collecting data from selected archaeological sites and examining sediment samples from freshwater reservoirs in Istria, the Kvarner region, and northern Dalmatia. The study facilitates the development of a paleoclimatic model that illustrates dry and humid periods, providing insights into internal and inter-site variability within settlements. Moreover, by employing geoarchaeological methods, the results enable correlations between environmental data and settlement modifications, establishing a robust dataset that will serve as a foundation for further comparisons within the broader Adriatic and Mediterranean contexts. This comprehensive approach will enhance our understanding of local adaptations and economic capacities in response to environmental changes.The dataset presented, resulting from this interdisciplinary field research, primarily reflects the complex interactions between environmental factors and human activities during this transformative period. Ultimately, it aims to contribute valuable insights into how past societies navigated the challenges posed by climate fluctuations, enriching our knowledge of historical resilience and adaptation.