Sequent occupance and cultural landscape are two concepts used in geography and anthropology to understand how different cultures interact with and shape their environments over time.
Sequent occupance refers to the sequential use of land over time by various groups or cultures. It highlights the idea that as different communities occupy the same area, they leave behind traces of their presence, which can be seen in the landscape. This process shows how a place can change and evolve through layers of human activity, each representing different cultural practices, technologies, and economic systems. For example, a location that was once a Native American settlement may later become a colonial outpost, and eventually a modern city, each stage leaving its own imprint on the environment.
On the other hand, the cultural landscape is a broader concept that encompasses the visible, tangible interactions between people and their environment. A cultural landscape reflects the values, beliefs, and practices of a particular society as expressed through its physical characteristics—such as buildings, agricultural areas, urban spaces, and even parks. It signifies how culture influences the way environments are organized and utilized, resulting in a landscape that tells the story of human interaction with nature.
In summary, while sequent occupance focuses on the chronological layers of human occupation and the changes that occur over time, cultural landscape captures the synthesis of those changes and the ongoing relationship between culture and space. Both concepts help us appreciate the dynamic nature of human-environment interactions.