Collapses and seismic collapses in archaeology: proposal for a thematic atlas

Abstract

The problem of how to recognise seismic collapse lies at the basis of the possibility of using archaeological sources in the rield of historical seismology. Hitherto this problem has been approached in an arbitraiy and subjectile manner, because there exists no systematic collection of data which permits access to a specific series of case histories in the field of archaeological collapse, distinguishing their numerous causes. The problein is also posed because archaeological techniques are by nature ~destructivena, nd important seismic traces may disappear and no longer be utilizable in the scientific sphere. The authors point our this documentary lacuna, and propose the compilation oT a thematic atlas on seismic collapses in archaeology: a new disciplinary tool. which may also prove useful for those concerned with the protection and conservation of archaeological areas