A Spatial Connectivity Approach to Landscapes of Conflict: Julius Caesar and the Assault to Puig Ciutat (NE Iberian Peninsula)

Abstract Landscape plays a vital role in the development of military campaigns through definition geostrategic landmarks that structure control territory, imposition constraints to movement armies and identification features facilitate defence against attackers. These factors are linked study past spatial mobility which is typically done by finding optimal pathways between pairs points using Least-Cost Path analysis. This emphasis on optimality may not be ideal for case studies need general approach connectivity such as conflict-related dynamics. Connectivity modelling based Circuit Theory (CT) an alternative captures entire region identifying only paths but also bottlenecks, dead-ends any other feature impact movement. We present here framework landscapes conflict modelling; combines CT, visibility analysis statistical hypothesis testing understand reasons behind assault destruction Puig Ciutat (NE Iberian Peninsula) during Julius Caesar’s civil war. Results suggest site exerted decisive over highly connected area linking two possible logistical bases (Emporion Massalia) fighting at Ilerda (49 BC).