VYMEDZENIE HORSKEJ OBLASTI SLOVENSKA A JEHO VÝZNAM PRE ARCHEOLOGICKÉ BÁDANIE

The article attempts to define a mountain region, which differs from the surrounding landscape by its physical-geographical properties. Altogether thirteen natural factors were selected, based on which were determined boundaries of a mountain area. The mountain region is defined through their evaluation as a territory where the altitude, relief, slope of the terrain, low soil fertility and other researched factors create specific conditions, determining a way of life, which is dependent on and adapted to the character of surrounding landscape. It is mainly the area of Carpathians and their southern tips. Based on selected examples of the cultural occupation during various time periods it is also possible to see how the natural environment influenced individual archaeological cultures. Human activities in particular area respected the surrounding landscape and thus adapted to the character of the surrounding natural environment. Therefore, the natural environment had a major impact on the occupation of the landscape in the past.