Impact and Archaeological Sites:
A novel approach for understanding and targeting use and development over time

Abstract

Archaeological sites and features around the world are studied, used, abused, developed,
cherished, destroyed, and forgotten. Their significance and therefore use are dependent on how
they are perceived and that perception changes over time. As a major force in the discovery and
development of archaeological sites, archaeologists play a pivotal role in these evolving processes.
This thesis was motivated by two viewpoints. First, archaeologists have an obligation to consider
the impact of action on archaeological sites. Second, impact may be best explored by understanding
the relationship between known variables and the resulting evolution of a site. This work argues that
understanding the interaction between variables and evolution may help us better interpret the past,
function in the present, and prepare for the future use and development of a site.
To look at long-term evolutionary processes, this work used a novel approach based on
preceding efforts in predictive modelling and niche construction theory both within and outside of
archaeology. The combined multi-variable and niche construction approach (MV-NCT) provided a
strong but flexible framework for identifying, assessing, predicting, and even targeting impact on an
archaeological site. The fitness of this approach was tested on the Ad-Deir Plateau in Petra, Jordan.
To establish the suitability of the site, approach, and database; this thesis included a series of case
studies to illustrate the benefits and potential applications of this approach for different avenues of
use and development on the Ad-Deir Plateau archaeological site.