Adatok és észrevételek a Balaton 3-15. század közötti vízállásához - Data and Analysis of the Water Level of Lake Balaton Between the 3rd and 15th Centuries

Abstract

The purpose of my article is to compare the geological, archaeological and historical data of the water level fluctuation of Lake Balaton in the past 1800-2000 years, as well as to present the different scientific explanations of the changes. Geological and archaeological studies have confirmed that the low water level in the 1st and 2nd centuries was followed by a rise in the 3rd century. Between 4th and 12th centuries the water level sank again, but it increased at the end of the studied period. The decrease of the water level at the end of the 3rd century did not correlate with climatic changes, so it is highly probable that it was caused by human activity. The rising water level between 13th and 15th centuries coincides with low temperature and increased quantity of rainwater, but it is also true that human activity strengthened climatic effects in this case. In addition, it has to be considered as well how the watermills on the Sió/Sár rivers influenced the water level.

Keywords

• ake Balaton
• historical geography
• roman age
• middle ages