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Amanda Laoupi

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PhD in Archaeology & History of Art / Environmentalist - Disaster Specialist / Independent Researcher & Contractor. Educator & Author (2016 & 2019) of the books: (1) PUSHING THE LIMITS. DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHAEODISASTERS AND HUMANS (2) DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS AND TEENS. Founder of the interdisciplinary scientific field of Disaster Archaeology (2005) ▪ Born in Athens on August 19th, 1968. Studied at the National and Kapodistrian University in Athens, as well as at the Universities of Patras and Ioannina. PhD in Environmental Archaeology (Summa Cum Laude) and post-doctoral work in Earth Sciences and Environmental Studies. MSc in Environmental Protection and Management. Worked for the Goulandris Museum of Natural History and for the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards and Proactive Planning as an associate researcher. ▪ Evaluator of ESF – COST. Online member of EPA. External reviewer in Science for DRM 2020 (The Disaster Risk Management Knowledge Centre EU). ▪ Creative Industries & Digital Humanities, Environmental & Cultural Sectors: Hazard / Heritage assessment & management, planning & consultancy, GIS & new technologies, Environmental education, Academic research
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Papers by Amanda Laoupi

The Atlantis Hypothesis - Catastrophist Mythology. The Methodological Framework

Catastrophist Mythology as science of the past finds a very strong and tempting field of research... more Catastrophist Mythology as science of the past finds a very strong and tempting field of research in the famous ‘Atlantis case’. This is a case of transport- ing memory through super-positioned layers that contain sets of facts, elements, symbols, sectors and matrices traveled all over the world. The scientific attempt to rediscover the ‘virtual landscapes’ of ancient myths and model a concrete methodology for the interpretation of them opens a new doorway to the understanding of our common ancient past.

THE INFLUENCE OF VOLCANIC HAZARDS ON THE CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF THE CIRCUM-MEDITERRANEAN REGION THE INFLUENCE OF VOLCANIC HAZARDS ON THE CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF THE CIRCUM-MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Volcanoes and especially large volcanic eruptions have influenced humans, their resources, their ... more Volcanoes and especially large volcanic eruptions have influenced humans, their resources, their culture, and perhaps -in certain circumstances -even the course of their civilizations. In some cases, active volcanoes have made their mark in living memory. They have destroyed homes, reshaped landscapes, killed wildlife, and altered global weather patterns. In other cases, the affects have been less immediately observable. Their impact on human traditions, religions, and cultural practices have evolved and been affected by various volcanic phenomena in volcanically active localities such as the Mediterranean region.

The socio-cultural profile of Hazards

Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of past, pres... more Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of past, present and.. future ecosystems, both natural and human. They happen in periodical or chaotic patterns, varying in frequency, magnitude and functional structure. They may have also several impacts on the evolution of human civilization (biological, ecological, environmental, socioeconomic , political, technological, geographical, ideological and cultural results) that are not always clearly defined, even by the victims or the generations following the event. These effects could be hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', due to diverse parameters. Furthermore, many 'entities', for example the vulnerability of ancient societies to environmental or human-made risks, and their adaptation process to the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters are not measurable as other proxy data can be be (e.g. palaeoclimatic, hydrogeological, palaeoanthropological). Considering the above-mentioned parameters, this paper deals with : a) the definition of a methodological framework consistent with the needs and scope of Disaster Archaeology, b) the application of risk analysis on hazardous phenomena and case studies from Pleistocene to 19th cent. A.C.E, c) the adoption of pivotal axes by contemporary mitigation plans and risk management policies (e.g. landscape evolution, human behavioral patterns, investment choices and proactive planning of past societies) and d) the deep understanding of collective shock response, its mechanism and dynamics via Psychopathology. This attempt could result in various methodological tools and analytical parameters. The formation of disaster sequences can highlight the temporal and spatial distribution of past hazards, the elaboration of a d-base with this kind of information can enrich the flexibility of adopted scenarios and the categorization of affected targets (e.g. human lives, ecosystems' equilibrium, economic losses, products and services, artifacts, cultural identity, demographical stability, aesthetic values) can differentiate the risk assessment efforts. Finally, the analysis of the socio-cultural profile of hazardous phenomena can increase the potential power of human collaboration and good will towards serving common goals. KEYWORDS : cultural landscapes, methodology of Disaster Archaeology, markers of past disasters, disaster psychopathology 1. THE METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY 1.1 General approach Disaster Archaeology, an upcoming interdisciplinary science, emerges and establishes itself as a uniquely significant part of the fields that deal with hazards, risk management, prevention policies and mitigation plans all over the world. Increasing possibilities of multifarious and costly natural and human-induced disasters force both civil and private sectors to move deeply and heavily into broader approaches of such events. Considering that the functions and the results of disasters, the human response to hazards and the carrying capacity of natural and human ecosystems do not vary considerably in space and time, as several constants exist in Nature and Society, modern scientists can detect the spatial and temporal distribution of hazards. But firstly, we must define clearly the aims, the scope, the methodology and the applications of this discipline, which can provide modern researchers with a huge spectrum of information concerning hazards and disasters of the past.: a) defines the identity, the impact and the dynamics of natural hazards into the evolution of human civilization, b) tries to find and analyze the kinds, frequency and magnitude of natural hazards that are hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', c) searches for the adaptation process in past human societies and the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters.

Laoupi. commentary

A Primer for Disaster Archaeology

If you didn't think there was a discipline for the study of disasters in archaeology, think again... more If you didn't think there was a discipline for the study of disasters in archaeology, think again. Amanda Laoupi introduces us to a new field that will acquire ever greater application and meaning as worldwide archaeology continues to develop and expand its scope as a discipline. What is Disaster Archaeology? Disaster Archaeology (D.A.), an upcoming interdisciplinary science, emerges and establishes itself as a uniquely significant part of the fields that deal with humanities, environmental education, hazards, risk management, prevention policies and mitigation plans all over the world. Generally speaking, D.A.: a) defines the identity, the impact and the dynamics of natural hazards into the evolution of human civilization, b) tries to find and analyze the kinds, frequency and magnitude of natural hazards that are hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', c) searches for the adaptation process in past human societies and the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters, and d) deals with hazard management matters concerning the cultural heritage in modern societies.

Laoupi. Classical Attica collapse

ΣYNOΨH Στόχος των σύγχρονων αρχαιοπεριβαλλοντικών ερευνών αποτελεί η αναψηλάφηση της δομής και τη... more ΣYNOΨH Στόχος των σύγχρονων αρχαιοπεριβαλλοντικών ερευνών αποτελεί η αναψηλάφηση της δομής και της λειτουργίας των ανθρώπινων οικοσυστημάτων του παρελθόντος. H εφαρμογή των διεπιστημονικών μεθόδων στην ανάπλαση των αστικών & περι-αστικών τοπίων της αρχαίας Eλλάδας συνίσταται στην ανάλυση παραμέτρων και 'μεγεθών', όπως είναι η βιωσιμότητα και οι δυνατότητες ανάκαμψης των οικοσυστημάτων, το οικολογικό και πολιτισμικό ισοζύγιο των αρχαίων κοινωνιών, η τρωτότητα, η διαχείριση των κρίσεων, η ανίχνευση των αλληλεπιδράσεων μεταξύ της οικολογικής και της κοινωνικής 'ελαστικότητας', καθώς και η διάρρηξη των δεσμών μεταξύ των φυσικών ενοτήτων της αρχαίας πόλης και της δομής της ως πολιτικής οντότητας. To φυσικό οικοσύστημα της Aττικής δεν θα μπορούσε να χαρακτηριστεί ως εύθραυστο, κοινωνικοί-πολιτικοί-οικονομικοί παράγοντες, όμως, κατέστησαν την ισορροπία του ανθρώπινου οικοσυστήματος εύθραστη και δύσκολα αντιστρεπτή κατά τη διάρκεια του 5ου & 4ου αι. π.X. Aν και δεν αποδίδεται το φαινόμενο της κατάρρευσης στη συγκεκριμένη πολιτισμική δομή, καθίσταται εμφανής η δυσλειτουργική προσαρμογή της αρχαίας πόλης στις εξωγενείς και ενδογενείς περιβαλλοντικές πιέσεις, διαδικασία που οδήγησε στην αδυναμία αξιοποίησης των πλέον επιτυχημένων μεταβλητών και μηχανισμών της δομής αυτής.

Assessing Vulnerability in Cultural Landscapes

The topic of the cultural heritage management was not generally regarded by governments as a high... more The topic of the cultural heritage management was not generally regarded by governments as a high priority till recently, so it will come as no surprise that it has not been subjected to much in-depth study or analysis. This paper focuses on the elaboration of an integrated methodological framework that could assess vulnerability's parameters concerning various categories of cultural heritage. Case studies have shown that the evaluation and analysis of cultural landscapes may be significantly improved, when different socioeconomic , environmental and technical patterns are explicitly organised into grouped questionnaires. The four-part analysis (IESO) provides flexible criteria for hazard assessment of cultural targets (memory institutions, open-air sites & monuments, elements of maritime heritage, natural landscapes, caves with paleontological/ archaeological interest, landscapes of memory), and is built on the following scheme: a) Intrinsic parameters (describing the condition of the cultural asset), b) Environmental parameters (describing the natural setting), c) Socioeconomic parameters (describing the living community) and d) Organisational / Institutional parameters (describing various functions of the State).

WATER HAZARDS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE. AN OVERVIEW

Water hazards represent a serious multi-level threat with direct and indirect impact, periodic re... more Water hazards represent a serious multi-level threat with direct and indirect impact, periodic reappearance and complicated socioeconomic profile. Flooding, tsunami, tropical cyclone-driven storm surges, construction of dams, landslides, debris flow and soil liquefaction due to various hydro geological phenomena, destruction of the wetlands, acid rain, temperature & moisture variations (periodic freezing, ice, heat and rain), existence of saline waters near the monuments , weathering, sea-level rise / coastal changes and socioeconomic factors related to water disasters are among the natural and human-induced hazards in the cultural landscapes. Their existence was always emphasized in the survival of human communities and the transformation of human civilization. Moreover, environmental changes, whether man-made or natural, contemporary or past, have always involved a complex interplay of physical, chemical and biological processes of the Earth.. Therefore, all scientific activities should coordinate in the best possible way, in order to insure the contribution of research to public awareness and sensitivity towards the evaluation and salvation of the Landscapes of Memory.

WOMEN IN THE MARINE MYTHOLOGY OF ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN THEIR ROLES & SYMBOLISMS

by Amanda Laoupi and George Pararas-carayannis

Dr. Amanda Laoupi (Archaeoenvironmentalist / Disaster Specialist) Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards & Proactive Planning -NTUA

The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural c... more The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural concepts is dated back to the 1990's, when a PhD. thesis under the general title "Attica of Classical Era as Human Ecosystem. The Eco-philosophy of Aristotle and various methodological issues of Environmental Archaeology" began to take shape. Main target was the analysis of the Classical city-state of Attica, within the schema of its natural, rural, urban and peri-urban landscapes. The works of Aristotle and Theophrast offered an enormous help, because these philosophers filled the methodological gap between the physical and cultural systems. Later on, after many years of environmental / ecological study and a new discipline established (Disaster Archaeology: Laoupi, 2006), the interdisciplinary research focused on the undisputable triad of eco-analysis: Plato, Aristotle and Theophrast. Among the multi-dimensional parameters of analysis are the concepts of Carrying Capacity and Population Pressure, along with various categorizations within the geopolitical structures, the life-cycle analysis, the sustainable development, urban metabolism, system limits, urban flows, the concept of niche, hierarchy and unfamiliar, alien or hostile landscape, of Copying Capacity, Vulnerability, Disaster and Collapse. The ancient Greeks authors were fully aware of the crucial role of natural phenomena and human-induced hazards that may cause perturbations in the equilibrium of ecosystems and the life of the cities. Plato with his ideas on urban management, environmental crises and the famous disaster myth of Atlantis, Aristotle with his thoughts on social metabolism, disaster management and the Atlas of human ecosystems, along with Theophrast with his detailed studies on ecosystems and natural equilibrium, having filtrated all the preceded knowledge (mythological cycles, Homeric Epics, Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Greek Geographers & Historians) contributed greatly to an early scientific approach to Disaster Studies, as we acknowledge today.

Sub Project DISMA DISaster MAnagement GIS with emphasis on cultural sites TECHNICAL REPORT: Volume II GIS FOR HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL LANDSCAPES EASTERN ATTICA AS CASE STUDY Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards

Dr. Amanda Laoupi (Archaeoenvironmentalist / Disaster Specialist) Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards & Proactive Planning -NTUA

The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural c... more The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural concepts is dated back to the 1990's, when a PhD. thesis under the general title "Attica of Classical Era as Human Ecosystem. The Eco-philosophy of Aristotle and various methodological issues of Environmental Archaeology" began to take shape. Main target was the analysis of the Classical city-state of Attica, within the schema of its natural, rural, urban and peri-urban landscapes. The works of Aristotle and Theophrast offered an enormous help, because these philosophers filled the methodological gap between the physical and cultural systems. Later on, after many years of environmental / ecological study and a new discipline established (Disaster Archaeology: Laoupi, 2006), the interdisciplinary research focused on the undisputable triad of eco-analysis: Plato, Aristotle and Theophrast. Among the multi-dimensional parameters of analysis are the concepts of Carrying Capacity and Population Pressure, along with various categorizations within the geopolitical structures, the life-cycle analysis, the sustainable development, urban metabolism, system limits, urban flows, the concept of niche, hierarchy and unfamiliar, alien or hostile landscape, of Copying Capacity, Vulnerability, Disaster and Collapse. The ancient Greeks authors were fully aware of the crucial role of natural phenomena and human-induced hazards that may cause perturbations in the equilibrium of ecosystems and the life of the cities. Plato with his ideas on urban management, environmental crises and the famous disaster myth of Atlantis, Aristotle with his thoughts on social metabolism, disaster management and the Atlas of human ecosystems, along with Theophrast with his detailed studies on ecosystems and natural equilibrium, having filtrated all the preceded knowledge (mythological cycles, Homeric Epics, Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Greek Geographers & Historians) contributed greatly to an early scientific approach to Disaster Studies, as we acknowledge today.

Fires from Heaven. Comets and diseases in circum-Mediterranean Disaster Myths

The present work follows the two previous steps of disaster myths' analysis and interpretation (H... more The present work follows the two previous steps of disaster myths' analysis and interpretation (Homeric Hephaistos as comet/meteor god / Aristaios and the Sirius' cult in Bronze Age Mediterranean). The aim of this work is to: a) assess contemporary and future trends concerning the interrelations between astrobiological phenomena (comets, impacts, plasma emissions, Super Novae explosions, solar cycles, Venus transits as biohazards) and past epidemics (Justinian plague, the Black Death, the AD 1918 flu pandemic spread, other more recent cases), and b) provide new evidence through famous circum-Mediterranean 'myths' (Venus as a comet,

Neanderthal bio-advantages in volcanic, open land & cave environments, and their socio-cultural impact

Extended research has shown that the environmental stimuli triggered biomechanical and biochemica... more Extended research has shown that the environmental stimuli triggered biomechanical and biochemical alterations in human species since the early Palaeolithic times (Laoupi, 2011; Laoupi, 2016). One unique example is the fact that our remote ancestors chose repeatedly the volcanic environments, where they survived, lived, reproduced and evolved. Other biogenetic alterations helped also Neanderthals to survive in harsh conditions. Even more caves with their ionized internal atmosphere, acoustics, biochemical composition and soothing impact were healing places for humans, places of initiation, education and mystic allegories (Laoupi, 2007). The volcanic landscapes and their positive impact on human health

The multi-symbolic profile of caves: spiritual landscapes, disaster environments and cultural monuments

The circum-Mediterranean area , rich in geodiversity, became the cradle of strong poetic images, ... more

THE SPIRITUAL SUBSTRATUM OF BRONZE AGE MEDITERRANEAN & CIRCUM-PONTIC WORLD.doc

Previous research has revealed that Sirius and Hephaistos myths and legends were strongly present... more Previous research has revealed that Sirius and Hephaistos myths and legends were strongly present in Bronze Age Mediterranean communities via an interrelated cultural network amongst various cultures and societies (Laoupi, 2006a & b; Laoupi, 2011). The aim of the present monograph is to deepen this research, enrich it with the latest evidence and cover broader geographical and chronological boundaries. The Sirius, Moon and Venus cults came from the Paleolithic Times amazingly enriched by their “journey” into the human psyche starring at the Cosmos. Especially, Sirius cult was a pivotal cult of the Pelasgian substratum coming from Neolithic and late Paleolithic Times.

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The socio-cultural profile of hazards. Disaster Archaeology and the risk assessment of past catastrophic events

drgeorgepc.com

ABSTRACT Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of p... more

GODS IN HEAVEN, HAVOC ON EARTH. ANCIENT GREEK AND SANSKRIT PARALLELS OF COMET/METEOR GODS

Hephaistos belongs to the guardian-gods or 'creators' of the Universe and functions as a pivotal ... more Hephaistos belongs to the guardian-gods or 'creators' of the Universe and functions as a pivotal force among the 'proto-hellenic' deities. The three-part paper, presented by the author in 2006, and expanded in 2010, focused, firstly, on the strong relationship between Hephaistos, as a comet/meteor god and the Pelasgian substratum of circum-Mediterranean region. In fact, a great deal of information acquired from the Greek Epic of Iliad seems to refer to the extended catastrophe of the beginning of 2nd millennium B.C. A coherent presentation of geoarchaeological, archaeoastronomical, archaeological and philological data, has shown that Hephaistos may function as a symbolic archetype of past impact events, being one of the pivotal figures within the gnostical system of the Pelasgians during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. Moreover, Phaethon's ride, the famous falls of Troy and the 12th cent. catastrophes formed various mythological 'layers' of information within the palimpsest of archaeoastronomical circum-Mediterranean knowledge.

Monitoring Methods for the Mitigation of Natural Hazards' Impact on Tourist Cultural Sites

by Amanda Laoupi and C. Mitsakaki

Surveying and Land Information …, Jan 1, 2009

Introduction T he United Nations' Universal Declara-tion of Human Rights states, in Article ... more

The Atlantis Hypothesis - Catastrophist Mythology. The Methodological Framework

Catastrophist Mythology as science of the past finds a very strong and tempting field of research... more Catastrophist Mythology as science of the past finds a very strong and tempting field of research in the famous ‘Atlantis case’. This is a case of transport- ing memory through super-positioned layers that contain sets of facts, elements, symbols, sectors and matrices traveled all over the world. The scientific attempt to rediscover the ‘virtual landscapes’ of ancient myths and model a concrete methodology for the interpretation of them opens a new doorway to the understanding of our common ancient past.

THE INFLUENCE OF VOLCANIC HAZARDS ON THE CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF THE CIRCUM-MEDITERRANEAN REGION THE INFLUENCE OF VOLCANIC HAZARDS ON THE CULTURAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL LANDSCAPES OF THE CIRCUM-MEDITERRANEAN REGION

Volcanoes and especially large volcanic eruptions have influenced humans, their resources, their ... more Volcanoes and especially large volcanic eruptions have influenced humans, their resources, their culture, and perhaps -in certain circumstances -even the course of their civilizations. In some cases, active volcanoes have made their mark in living memory. They have destroyed homes, reshaped landscapes, killed wildlife, and altered global weather patterns. In other cases, the affects have been less immediately observable. Their impact on human traditions, religions, and cultural practices have evolved and been affected by various volcanic phenomena in volcanically active localities such as the Mediterranean region.

The socio-cultural profile of Hazards

Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of past, pres... more Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of past, present and.. future ecosystems, both natural and human. They happen in periodical or chaotic patterns, varying in frequency, magnitude and functional structure. They may have also several impacts on the evolution of human civilization (biological, ecological, environmental, socioeconomic , political, technological, geographical, ideological and cultural results) that are not always clearly defined, even by the victims or the generations following the event. These effects could be hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', due to diverse parameters. Furthermore, many 'entities', for example the vulnerability of ancient societies to environmental or human-made risks, and their adaptation process to the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters are not measurable as other proxy data can be be (e.g. palaeoclimatic, hydrogeological, palaeoanthropological). Considering the above-mentioned parameters, this paper deals with : a) the definition of a methodological framework consistent with the needs and scope of Disaster Archaeology, b) the application of risk analysis on hazardous phenomena and case studies from Pleistocene to 19th cent. A.C.E, c) the adoption of pivotal axes by contemporary mitigation plans and risk management policies (e.g. landscape evolution, human behavioral patterns, investment choices and proactive planning of past societies) and d) the deep understanding of collective shock response, its mechanism and dynamics via Psychopathology. This attempt could result in various methodological tools and analytical parameters. The formation of disaster sequences can highlight the temporal and spatial distribution of past hazards, the elaboration of a d-base with this kind of information can enrich the flexibility of adopted scenarios and the categorization of affected targets (e.g. human lives, ecosystems' equilibrium, economic losses, products and services, artifacts, cultural identity, demographical stability, aesthetic values) can differentiate the risk assessment efforts. Finally, the analysis of the socio-cultural profile of hazardous phenomena can increase the potential power of human collaboration and good will towards serving common goals. KEYWORDS : cultural landscapes, methodology of Disaster Archaeology, markers of past disasters, disaster psychopathology 1. THE METHODOLOGICAL FRAMEWORK OF DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY 1.1 General approach Disaster Archaeology, an upcoming interdisciplinary science, emerges and establishes itself as a uniquely significant part of the fields that deal with hazards, risk management, prevention policies and mitigation plans all over the world. Increasing possibilities of multifarious and costly natural and human-induced disasters force both civil and private sectors to move deeply and heavily into broader approaches of such events. Considering that the functions and the results of disasters, the human response to hazards and the carrying capacity of natural and human ecosystems do not vary considerably in space and time, as several constants exist in Nature and Society, modern scientists can detect the spatial and temporal distribution of hazards. But firstly, we must define clearly the aims, the scope, the methodology and the applications of this discipline, which can provide modern researchers with a huge spectrum of information concerning hazards and disasters of the past.: a) defines the identity, the impact and the dynamics of natural hazards into the evolution of human civilization, b) tries to find and analyze the kinds, frequency and magnitude of natural hazards that are hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', c) searches for the adaptation process in past human societies and the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters.

Laoupi. commentary

A Primer for Disaster Archaeology

If you didn't think there was a discipline for the study of disasters in archaeology, think again... more If you didn't think there was a discipline for the study of disasters in archaeology, think again. Amanda Laoupi introduces us to a new field that will acquire ever greater application and meaning as worldwide archaeology continues to develop and expand its scope as a discipline. What is Disaster Archaeology? Disaster Archaeology (D.A.), an upcoming interdisciplinary science, emerges and establishes itself as a uniquely significant part of the fields that deal with humanities, environmental education, hazards, risk management, prevention policies and mitigation plans all over the world. Generally speaking, D.A.: a) defines the identity, the impact and the dynamics of natural hazards into the evolution of human civilization, b) tries to find and analyze the kinds, frequency and magnitude of natural hazards that are hidden in the 'archaeological landscapes', c) searches for the adaptation process in past human societies and the 'unfamiliar landscapes' formed after natural disasters, and d) deals with hazard management matters concerning the cultural heritage in modern societies.

Laoupi. Classical Attica collapse

ΣYNOΨH Στόχος των σύγχρονων αρχαιοπεριβαλλοντικών ερευνών αποτελεί η αναψηλάφηση της δομής και τη... more ΣYNOΨH Στόχος των σύγχρονων αρχαιοπεριβαλλοντικών ερευνών αποτελεί η αναψηλάφηση της δομής και της λειτουργίας των ανθρώπινων οικοσυστημάτων του παρελθόντος. H εφαρμογή των διεπιστημονικών μεθόδων στην ανάπλαση των αστικών & περι-αστικών τοπίων της αρχαίας Eλλάδας συνίσταται στην ανάλυση παραμέτρων και 'μεγεθών', όπως είναι η βιωσιμότητα και οι δυνατότητες ανάκαμψης των οικοσυστημάτων, το οικολογικό και πολιτισμικό ισοζύγιο των αρχαίων κοινωνιών, η τρωτότητα, η διαχείριση των κρίσεων, η ανίχνευση των αλληλεπιδράσεων μεταξύ της οικολογικής και της κοινωνικής 'ελαστικότητας', καθώς και η διάρρηξη των δεσμών μεταξύ των φυσικών ενοτήτων της αρχαίας πόλης και της δομής της ως πολιτικής οντότητας. To φυσικό οικοσύστημα της Aττικής δεν θα μπορούσε να χαρακτηριστεί ως εύθραυστο, κοινωνικοί-πολιτικοί-οικονομικοί παράγοντες, όμως, κατέστησαν την ισορροπία του ανθρώπινου οικοσυστήματος εύθραστη και δύσκολα αντιστρεπτή κατά τη διάρκεια του 5ου & 4ου αι. π.X. Aν και δεν αποδίδεται το φαινόμενο της κατάρρευσης στη συγκεκριμένη πολιτισμική δομή, καθίσταται εμφανής η δυσλειτουργική προσαρμογή της αρχαίας πόλης στις εξωγενείς και ενδογενείς περιβαλλοντικές πιέσεις, διαδικασία που οδήγησε στην αδυναμία αξιοποίησης των πλέον επιτυχημένων μεταβλητών και μηχανισμών της δομής αυτής.

Assessing Vulnerability in Cultural Landscapes

The topic of the cultural heritage management was not generally regarded by governments as a high... more The topic of the cultural heritage management was not generally regarded by governments as a high priority till recently, so it will come as no surprise that it has not been subjected to much in-depth study or analysis. This paper focuses on the elaboration of an integrated methodological framework that could assess vulnerability's parameters concerning various categories of cultural heritage. Case studies have shown that the evaluation and analysis of cultural landscapes may be significantly improved, when different socioeconomic , environmental and technical patterns are explicitly organised into grouped questionnaires. The four-part analysis (IESO) provides flexible criteria for hazard assessment of cultural targets (memory institutions, open-air sites & monuments, elements of maritime heritage, natural landscapes, caves with paleontological/ archaeological interest, landscapes of memory), and is built on the following scheme: a) Intrinsic parameters (describing the condition of the cultural asset), b) Environmental parameters (describing the natural setting), c) Socioeconomic parameters (describing the living community) and d) Organisational / Institutional parameters (describing various functions of the State).

WATER HAZARDS AND CULTURAL HERITAGE. AN OVERVIEW

Water hazards represent a serious multi-level threat with direct and indirect impact, periodic re... more Water hazards represent a serious multi-level threat with direct and indirect impact, periodic reappearance and complicated socioeconomic profile. Flooding, tsunami, tropical cyclone-driven storm surges, construction of dams, landslides, debris flow and soil liquefaction due to various hydro geological phenomena, destruction of the wetlands, acid rain, temperature & moisture variations (periodic freezing, ice, heat and rain), existence of saline waters near the monuments , weathering, sea-level rise / coastal changes and socioeconomic factors related to water disasters are among the natural and human-induced hazards in the cultural landscapes. Their existence was always emphasized in the survival of human communities and the transformation of human civilization. Moreover, environmental changes, whether man-made or natural, contemporary or past, have always involved a complex interplay of physical, chemical and biological processes of the Earth.. Therefore, all scientific activities should coordinate in the best possible way, in order to insure the contribution of research to public awareness and sensitivity towards the evaluation and salvation of the Landscapes of Memory.

WOMEN IN THE MARINE MYTHOLOGY OF ANCIENT MEDITERRANEAN THEIR ROLES & SYMBOLISMS

by Amanda Laoupi and George Pararas-carayannis

Dr. Amanda Laoupi (Archaeoenvironmentalist / Disaster Specialist) Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards & Proactive Planning -NTUA

The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural c... more The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural concepts is dated back to the 1990's, when a PhD. thesis under the general title "Attica of Classical Era as Human Ecosystem. The Eco-philosophy of Aristotle and various methodological issues of Environmental Archaeology" began to take shape. Main target was the analysis of the Classical city-state of Attica, within the schema of its natural, rural, urban and peri-urban landscapes. The works of Aristotle and Theophrast offered an enormous help, because these philosophers filled the methodological gap between the physical and cultural systems. Later on, after many years of environmental / ecological study and a new discipline established (Disaster Archaeology: Laoupi, 2006), the interdisciplinary research focused on the undisputable triad of eco-analysis: Plato, Aristotle and Theophrast. Among the multi-dimensional parameters of analysis are the concepts of Carrying Capacity and Population Pressure, along with various categorizations within the geopolitical structures, the life-cycle analysis, the sustainable development, urban metabolism, system limits, urban flows, the concept of niche, hierarchy and unfamiliar, alien or hostile landscape, of Copying Capacity, Vulnerability, Disaster and Collapse. The ancient Greeks authors were fully aware of the crucial role of natural phenomena and human-induced hazards that may cause perturbations in the equilibrium of ecosystems and the life of the cities. Plato with his ideas on urban management, environmental crises and the famous disaster myth of Atlantis, Aristotle with his thoughts on social metabolism, disaster management and the Atlas of human ecosystems, along with Theophrast with his detailed studies on ecosystems and natural equilibrium, having filtrated all the preceded knowledge (mythological cycles, Homeric Epics, Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Greek Geographers & Historians) contributed greatly to an early scientific approach to Disaster Studies, as we acknowledge today.

Sub Project DISMA DISaster MAnagement GIS with emphasis on cultural sites TECHNICAL REPORT: Volume II GIS FOR HAZARD ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL LANDSCAPES EASTERN ATTICA AS CASE STUDY Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards

Dr. Amanda Laoupi (Archaeoenvironmentalist / Disaster Specialist) Centre for the Assessment of Natural Hazards & Proactive Planning -NTUA

The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural c... more The first attempt to tame topics that cross biological, ecological, physical and socio-cultural concepts is dated back to the 1990's, when a PhD. thesis under the general title "Attica of Classical Era as Human Ecosystem. The Eco-philosophy of Aristotle and various methodological issues of Environmental Archaeology" began to take shape. Main target was the analysis of the Classical city-state of Attica, within the schema of its natural, rural, urban and peri-urban landscapes. The works of Aristotle and Theophrast offered an enormous help, because these philosophers filled the methodological gap between the physical and cultural systems. Later on, after many years of environmental / ecological study and a new discipline established (Disaster Archaeology: Laoupi, 2006), the interdisciplinary research focused on the undisputable triad of eco-analysis: Plato, Aristotle and Theophrast. Among the multi-dimensional parameters of analysis are the concepts of Carrying Capacity and Population Pressure, along with various categorizations within the geopolitical structures, the life-cycle analysis, the sustainable development, urban metabolism, system limits, urban flows, the concept of niche, hierarchy and unfamiliar, alien or hostile landscape, of Copying Capacity, Vulnerability, Disaster and Collapse. The ancient Greeks authors were fully aware of the crucial role of natural phenomena and human-induced hazards that may cause perturbations in the equilibrium of ecosystems and the life of the cities. Plato with his ideas on urban management, environmental crises and the famous disaster myth of Atlantis, Aristotle with his thoughts on social metabolism, disaster management and the Atlas of human ecosystems, along with Theophrast with his detailed studies on ecosystems and natural equilibrium, having filtrated all the preceded knowledge (mythological cycles, Homeric Epics, Pre-Socratic Philosophers, Greek Geographers & Historians) contributed greatly to an early scientific approach to Disaster Studies, as we acknowledge today.

Fires from Heaven. Comets and diseases in circum-Mediterranean Disaster Myths

The present work follows the two previous steps of disaster myths' analysis and interpretation (H... more The present work follows the two previous steps of disaster myths' analysis and interpretation (Homeric Hephaistos as comet/meteor god / Aristaios and the Sirius' cult in Bronze Age Mediterranean). The aim of this work is to: a) assess contemporary and future trends concerning the interrelations between astrobiological phenomena (comets, impacts, plasma emissions, Super Novae explosions, solar cycles, Venus transits as biohazards) and past epidemics (Justinian plague, the Black Death, the AD 1918 flu pandemic spread, other more recent cases), and b) provide new evidence through famous circum-Mediterranean 'myths' (Venus as a comet,

Neanderthal bio-advantages in volcanic, open land & cave environments, and their socio-cultural impact

Extended research has shown that the environmental stimuli triggered biomechanical and biochemica... more Extended research has shown that the environmental stimuli triggered biomechanical and biochemical alterations in human species since the early Palaeolithic times (Laoupi, 2011; Laoupi, 2016). One unique example is the fact that our remote ancestors chose repeatedly the volcanic environments, where they survived, lived, reproduced and evolved. Other biogenetic alterations helped also Neanderthals to survive in harsh conditions. Even more caves with their ionized internal atmosphere, acoustics, biochemical composition and soothing impact were healing places for humans, places of initiation, education and mystic allegories (Laoupi, 2007). The volcanic landscapes and their positive impact on human health

The multi-symbolic profile of caves: spiritual landscapes, disaster environments and cultural monuments

The circum-Mediterranean area , rich in geodiversity, became the cradle of strong poetic images, ... more

THE SPIRITUAL SUBSTRATUM OF BRONZE AGE MEDITERRANEAN & CIRCUM-PONTIC WORLD.doc

Previous research has revealed that Sirius and Hephaistos myths and legends were strongly present... more Previous research has revealed that Sirius and Hephaistos myths and legends were strongly present in Bronze Age Mediterranean communities via an interrelated cultural network amongst various cultures and societies (Laoupi, 2006a & b; Laoupi, 2011). The aim of the present monograph is to deepen this research, enrich it with the latest evidence and cover broader geographical and chronological boundaries. The Sirius, Moon and Venus cults came from the Paleolithic Times amazingly enriched by their “journey” into the human psyche starring at the Cosmos. Especially, Sirius cult was a pivotal cult of the Pelasgian substratum coming from Neolithic and late Paleolithic Times.

My Visual Resume

The socio-cultural profile of hazards. Disaster Archaeology and the risk assessment of past catastrophic events

drgeorgepc.com

ABSTRACT Natural and man-induced hazards play an active role in the morphology and evolution of p... more

GODS IN HEAVEN, HAVOC ON EARTH. ANCIENT GREEK AND SANSKRIT PARALLELS OF COMET/METEOR GODS

Hephaistos belongs to the guardian-gods or 'creators' of the Universe and functions as a pivotal ... more Hephaistos belongs to the guardian-gods or 'creators' of the Universe and functions as a pivotal force among the 'proto-hellenic' deities. The three-part paper, presented by the author in 2006, and expanded in 2010, focused, firstly, on the strong relationship between Hephaistos, as a comet/meteor god and the Pelasgian substratum of circum-Mediterranean region. In fact, a great deal of information acquired from the Greek Epic of Iliad seems to refer to the extended catastrophe of the beginning of 2nd millennium B.C. A coherent presentation of geoarchaeological, archaeoastronomical, archaeological and philological data, has shown that Hephaistos may function as a symbolic archetype of past impact events, being one of the pivotal figures within the gnostical system of the Pelasgians during the 3rd and 2nd millennia B.C. Moreover, Phaethon's ride, the famous falls of Troy and the 12th cent. catastrophes formed various mythological 'layers' of information within the palimpsest of archaeoastronomical circum-Mediterranean knowledge.

Monitoring Methods for the Mitigation of Natural Hazards' Impact on Tourist Cultural Sites

by Amanda Laoupi and C. Mitsakaki

Surveying and Land Information …, Jan 1, 2009

Introduction T he United Nations' Universal Declara-tion of Human Rights states, in Article ... more

PSP-Certificate-74D0FAD8-0E7B-06EE-8000-EA2A61045EF9.pdf

Thank you for joining the first mission to touch the Sun! A memory card containing your name will... more Thank you for joining the first mission to touch the Sun! A memory card containing your name will be included on the Parker Solar Probe spacecraft. Come with us as we plunge through the Sun's atmosphere, closer to the surface than any spacecraft before it, facing brutal heat and radiation conditions-and ultimately providing humanity with the first-ever close-up view of a star. NASA

CLASSICAL ATTICA, HUMAN ECOSYSTEMS, AND ECO-PHILOSOPHY

Athens University, 1999

PhD Thesis - Summa cum laude

DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY. THE SCIENCE OF ARCHAEODISASTERS

Available in kindle format by Amazon. September 2019 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XFF1K23

PUSHING THE LIMITS. DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY, ARCHAEODISASTERS AND HUMANS

METRON PUBLICATIONS, 2016

ISBN-10: 1603770933 ISBN-13: 978-1603770934 Changes, crises, disasters, collapse... Such is the ... more ISBN-10: 1603770933
ISBN-13: 978-1603770934
Changes, crises, disasters, collapse... Such is the story of Humanity. This book focuses on merging all disciplines, perspectives, theories, aspects and applications of disaster sciences within their spacio-temporal framework into one major scientific field, Disaster Archaeology. A science of the non-limit experience of the Biosphere. From mosquito bites to asteroid impacts. From Forensic scientific fields to Earth Sciences and the Humanities, from Environmental and Landscape Archaeology to Public and Salvage Archaeology, from Disaster Mythology and Astrology to Eco-Anthropology and Disaster & Anarchist Anthropology , from Shock Doctrine and Black Swan Theory to Dragon Kings...

DISASTER ARCHAEOLOGY FOR KIDS AND TEENS by Dr AMANDA LAOUPI

485 pp. richly illustrated e-book in English, especially for kids 11+ and teenagers. June 2019. ©... more

THE DARK DISASTERS OF HUMANITY. FROM SANIDAR CAVE TO CANOVA AND BEYOND

What is a human-made disaster? The wars, the technological accidents, the environmental catastrop... more What is a human-made disaster? The wars, the technological accidents, the environmental catastrophe (the 6th extinction) or much more than these atrocities? It is the darkness, the madness and the sinister fate of humanity never to be taught by the errors of the past…
A human-made disaster could be also the annihilation of dignity and freedom, of language and customs, of personal ideals, belief systems and memory, the violation of human rights, the catastrophe of monuments, ways of life and lifestyles, the violent dominion over less strong people with power of any kind, the use of wars, weapons, of any kind, tortures, brutalities, blackmails, distortion of truth (reality) to impose this power, and much more…