The east of the Netherlands shows many different types of landscape. This dissertation is the result of interdisciplinary research into the long-term development of landscape and habitation of the province of Overijssel and the region De Achterhoek. Archaeological data are the primary source of information but physical geography, historical geography, palaeobotany and toponomy are incorporated. Van Beek tries to construct an overview of all-important developments between the early prehistory and the medieval period.