Od geografa do archeologa – Rudolf Jamka jako pionier archeologii osadnictwa. Analiza osadnicza metodą izarytmiczną

Drawing on his training in geography, Professor Rudolf Jamka was the first scholar in Polish archaeology to propose the application of the isarithmic method in archaeological settlement studies. This method made it possible, in a relatively simple way, to examine and visualize the density and dynamics of settlement changes in a given region within a selected chronological horizon, as well as to reconstruct the size and role of local cultural units. It involved mapping settlement points, overlaying a coordinate grid onto a map, counting sites within designated fields, and creating isarithms – lines connecting areas with a similar number of settlements. Its aim was to depict the settlement structure of a given region without the need to employ advanced tools that were unavailable in the difficult conditions of post-war Poland. Examples of Jamka’s use of the method demonstrated its usefulness in identifying both settlement clusters and potential “blank spots” in the state of research. Jamka’s search for the most effective method of settlement analysis was grounded in the idea of reconstructing as complete a picture of prehistory as possible, which he pursued through the accumulation of a solid source base. This approach was reflected not only in his own research activity but also in his encouragement of younger scholars to undertake settlement studies focused on individual regions. His pioneering approach to archaeological sources – seeking methods for their most comprehensive use within the research procedures available to archaeology – was undoubtedly an important methodological step in the development of Polish settlement archaeology.