The Emergence of Open Fields, Applying Landscape Ecology in Medieval Eastern Netherlands

Abstract The primary objective of this study is to determine the emergence of the open-field system in a region of eastern Netherlands. While this transition is noted in various parts of Europe during the early medieval period, evidence remains limited. The study aims to shed light on this issue by comparing insights from 19th-century agriculture with Carolingian sources and a substantial archaeological excavation database, providing insights into the spatial dynamics of farmsteads across historical landscapes. A key innovation of this paper is the application of landscape ecological principles to interpret multidisciplinary datasets, identifying processes and human activities. This approach emphasizes the significance of farmstead positioning between pastures and open fields over a millennium, clarifying the crucial role of dairy farming in fertilizing poor sandy soils. Although the technology for open fields existed during the Roman era, the study suggests that large-scale implementation likely occurred under the Frankish kingdoms in the early 8th century, facilitated by their authority but only in areas with suitable pasture. Furthermore, this methodology can be applied to address similar questions, such as why older field patterns like of Celtic fields remain visible in some areas while absent in others.