Historical traces in the landscape reveal how people lived in the past, how they interacted with the landscape, and what stories they associated with it. Even today, we leave imprints on the landscape that future generations will interpret. This lesson aims to show that the face of the landscape changes over time. Each of us interprets it in our own way and brings our own stories to it.
The lesson introduces the landscape as a bearer of cultural heritage. It emphasises that the landscape is not a static image but a series of evolving scenes over time—a living chronicle that records the development of humanity. It reflects everyday human activities, stories, and memories, both past and present.
Across various parts of Europe, landscapes have changed with varying degrees of intensity. Despite local differences, common features can be identified in each historical period. These features are presented to pupils through illustrations of landscapes from selected historical eras: prehistoric times, antiquity, the Middle Ages, the Baroque era, the Industrial Revolution, and the second half of the 20th century. The lessons focus primarily on small monuments and historical elements of cultural landscapes, which are typically found in rural areas but can also appear in urban environments.
By comparing the historical landscape to its present state, children will realise that many features and structures are gradually disappearing, while others endure. They will learn that time passes at different rates for people, trees, and rocks. Landmarks, such as small monuments and historical elements of the cultural landscape, will help children understand that the landscape was once inhabited by people who used it in ways different from today.
Attention is also given to how these landmarks appear in "our" landscape and whether they can serve as clues to help us recognise "our" landscape. The lesson encourages older pupils to understand that only by viewing the landscape in its historical context can we fully grasp its unique features and values. It prompts reflection on why it is important to preserve small monuments and historical elements of the cultural landscape, and why we should protect them even in the face of ongoing climate change.
These landmarks are not just traces of the past. Even today, we leave stories in the landscape and create artefacts that will be interpreted by future generations. In the final activity, students are invited to reflect on how the landscape is currently used and on the traces that today’s society is leaving behind. Then they can design their own small monument that reflects their memories, experiences of a place, or how they would like to spend their time in a chosen favorite location.
Pupils will:
The landscape is not just the physical environment around us; it is also a vital carrier of cultural and spiritual heritage. Historical traces within the landscape significantly shape the identity of individual landscapes and play a crucial role in forming one's sense of belonging to a particular place. When we foster a relationship with the landscape, we are more likely to care for, protect, and ensure its continuity through thoughtful design and sustainable improvements.
Introductory brainstorming, during which pupils realise that the landscape has been shaped by various influences, including living and non-living components of nature, as well as human activities.to this problem.
By comparing pictures from different periods, we will see how time passes differently for humans, trees, and rocks.
We learn that the landscape has evolved over time as people’s ways of living have changed. We will match statements to pictures of landscapes from different historical periods and then arrange these landscapes in chronological order.
We will match names with cards showing various types of small monuments and historical elements of the cultural landscape and learn about their current use. We will also explore whether new landmarks are appearing in the landscape today and how they differ from historical ones.
Map work and documentation of selected local small monuments.
Linking images of small monuments in the landscape with unique human stories from history or legends and interpreting the text.
When designing, students realise that they are interpreting the landscape around them and contributing to it with their own stories.