Exchange, Connections and Collaborations: The TransPergMicro PreDoc Workshop 2025

On March 28, the PreDoc-workshop of TransPergMicro brought together early career researchers from across the project to present and discuss their ongoing work related to Pergamon. The workshop was hosted by Freie Universität in the so-called “Holzlaube” and was attended by 18 participants in person and 11 online. The workshop served as a platform to connect the different disciplines involved in TransPergMicro – Physical Geography, Historical Architecture, Classical Archaeology, and Ancient History.

The archaeology in geoarchaeology: examples from field mapping during the 2024 campaign of the physical geography group

During the 2024 joint fieldwork of Freie Universität Berlin and Ege Üniversitesi, we explored the eastern lower Bakırçay plain, mapping geomorphological features. Collaborating with archaeologists, we investigated the ancient Bakırçay River’s shifting course, focusing on fluvial traces and elevations to better understand its historical hydrology. Stay tuned for our findings!

Announcement: International Symposium on Human and Ecology Relations Through the Ages

We are excited to announce the upcoming International Symposium on Human and Ecology Relations Through the Ages, taking place from 4–6 December 2024 at Ege University in Izmir.
In the first session, Felix Pirson of the German Archaeological Institute and the TransPergMicro project will give a presentation titled: “Human Environment Interaction in the Pergamon Micro-Region: Challenges and Perspectives for Interdisciplinary Research.”

Pergamon visits Madrid – LAC 2024

Discover the latest TransPergMicro research presented at the 2024 Landscape Archaeology Conference. We’re excited to highlight Joris Starke’s award-winning poster on the Araplı alluvial fan’s development during the Roman Imperial period. Additionally, delve into Robert Busch’s agro-ecological modeling and Fabian Becker’s analysis of the ‘3rd century crisis’ in Pergamon. Also featured is Moritz Nykamp’s poster on Göbekli Tepe’s landscape evolution.

Alluvial fans and ‘chocolate bars’: Unveiling the sedimentary archives of the Pergamon Micro-Region

In exploring sedimentary profiles obtained by vibra-coring in the Bakırçay plain, our interdisciplinary fieldwork investigates the development of alluvial fans in the Pergamon micro-region. We aim to uncover the intricate interplay between sediment dynamics and historical settlement patterns. At the same time, our study of ‘chocolate bars’ provides insights into ancient pottery production and highlights the relationship between human activity and the landscape in the Pergamon Micro-Region.

Temple, Villa, or…? A Rural Site in the Pergamon Micro-Region

The Sultan Tepe site, discovered in 2009 and revisited in 2019 and 2020, near Pergamon reveals intriguing findings. The non-invasive survey suggests a complex history: a potential villa with a courtyard, a sanctuary, or even a mansio. Geophysical data points to a 175 x 100 m structure, possibly a villa. Pottery spans late Hellenistic to Byzantine periods. Despite uncertainties, this interdisciplinary approach offers valuable insights into the region’s historical development. The full study will be in ‘Istanbuler Mitteilungen.’