Defend Your Coast: Network Analysis of Crusader Fortifications and Settlements Within the Kyrenia Region of Cyprus

Abstract

The Mediterranean island of Cyprus is situated at the crossroads of the Near East and the Aegean Civilizations. During the Middle Ages, Cyprus experienced raids that would devastate the coastal landscape. Coastal towns and villages were destroyed, and many of them never rebuilt. Fortifications were constructed to defend the coastline from raiders and potential invaders. Scholars believe that during times of heavy raiding coastal settlements are abandoned in favor of inland settlements. This theory has not been tested using Geographic Information System (GIS). This study used GIS to test the area of influence raiders could exert inland during a raid. Based on past research the extent of influence was determined to be 3000 m inland. The Network Analyst tool was used to determine the shortest routes raiders and defenders took to reach undefended villages and churches. The time needed for defenders and attackers to reach sites was determined using a hiking calculator. Based on the results of the test the majority of sites are situated outside the range of raiders influence.