The role of climate changes in the intensification of agricultural activities in Anatolia during the late Roman-early Byzantine period

Abstract

The intensive agricultural period called the Beyşehir Occupation Phase (BOP) in Anatolia peaked during the Late Roman and Early Byzantine Periods. This study investigates whether climatic changes during this period influenced the intensification of agricultural activities. By evaluating pollen studies in Anatolia, the characteristics of agricultural activities were determined and compared with historical, archaeological, and paleoclimatic data to explore the relationship between BOP, climatic changes, and their impact on agricultural activities and social structures. The findings suggest that favorable climatic conditions significantly contributed to the expansion of societies and the intensification of agricultural activities in general. However, cold and arid climatic conditions did not permanently and continuously affect agricultural activities and society, even though they may have caused temporary crises.