The aim of the study is to contribute to an understanding of the relation between human development and development of forest resources as a function of time in the territory of ancient Sagalassos.

The main objective to reach this goal is the development of a GIS model simulating the forest resources in the territory of Sagalassos as a function of time, site quality (in terms of climate and soil) and human impact.

Present-day observational studies situated in the territory of ancient Sagalassos are important for the calibration and validation of the model. In a first study the present growth potential of the territory for trees will be determined. In a second study more understanding will be developed in the mechanism of wood extraction from a territory as a function of population density, import/export ratio, lifestyle and technology level.