FROM MĂGURA CĂLANULUI TO THE ORĂȘTIE MOUNTAINS: PREDICTING LIMESTONE TRANSPORTATION ROUTES WITH LEAST-COST PATH ANALYSIS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14795/jaha.12.4.2025.1438Keywords:
Orăștie Mountains, Dacian fortresses, limestone quarry, ancient roads, optimal routes, least-cost path analysisAbstract
The aim of this study was to predict using least-cost path analysis potential ancient routes between the limestone quarry from Măgura Călanului and the Dacian fortresses from Costești-Cetățuie, Costești-Blidaru, Piatra Roșie and Dealul Grădiștii. Multiple optimal routes were computed by calculating the minimum level of energy consumption theoretically necessary for travelling between the respective locations, while taking into account the slope variations. Two types of models were obtained. Some simulate walking, others simulate travelling via wheeled transport. The models that represent wheeled transport routes are less direct, but seem naturally more accessible, and more accurately replicate the ancient roads near the fortresses. The respective models may offer an explanation for the formation of those roads, and indicate by what transportation means those might have been accessible. The optimal routes generally suggest that the quarried limestone might have been transported to the fortresses probably along the natural ways of entry into the Orăștie Mountains, through the Luncani and Grădiște Valleys.
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