Book Description

The collective volume comprises studies that investigate the phenomenon of settlement desertion in Southeastern Europe from Antiquity to the Modern Era. Drawing on a broad spectrum of historical sources, archaeological evidence, research methodologies and analytical frameworks, historians, archaeologists and geographers seek to interpret patterns of settlement abandonment across different historical periods. Through interdisciplinary approach, the volume demonstrates that settlement desertion is not an isolated occurrence, but rather part of wider historical processes shaped by socioeconomic, demographic, political and environmental factors. In doing so, it offers new perspectives on settlement transformation and historical continuity. The volume inaugurates the new academic series titled Modern Greek Library of the Section of Neohellenic Research at the IHR, which aims to promote scholarly dialogue and research on Modern Greek history, society, and culture.