Konference Post-Medieval Archaeology Congress - The Šumava Mountain Woodlands: Lumberman settlement and water transport works from the 19th century
Abstract
The highland areas of the Šumava Mountains in southwest Bohemia underwent fundamental changes as a result of industrialisation in 19th century. It affected the local woodlands (previously only seldom touched) and the consequences of this are still being faced to this present day.
These dramatic changes were a result of the spread of lumberman settlements in the region, triggered by an increased demand in firewood for industrial use within the Czech basin. In 1800 there were built two large canal systems which enabled the transport of timber - using water power MINUS SIGN from these remote mountain locations to the urban timber markets.
This project focuses on the remains of water canals, reservoirs for wood floating and lumberman settlement in today's mountain landscape.