Climate change and archaeological heritage: risk identification and monitoring of a lakeshore archaeological site in Smuszewo (Poland) - A case study

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to present a multi-level approach to risk identification and monitoring strategies for the lakeshore archaeological sites. Within a range of the cultural heritage typologies that are addressed by the TRIQUETRA project, the Late Bronze Age/Early Iron Age fortified settlement at Smuszewo (Poland) occupies a transitional position between mainland and water environment. Archaeological excavations and other surveys conducted between the 1950s and 2010s revealed wellpreserved wooden structures on land and on the east shore of Czeszewo Lake. Crucial to their preservation is the waterlogged environment which is directly related to the condition of the lake, water balance and particularly the water level. The problem of deteriorating water conditions (e.g. decreasing water level) in neighboring areas - resulting in recurrent droughts – has already been identified. However, its impact on the fragile wooden relics of the fortified settlement has not yet been assessed.