A megastructure is an assemblage of constructions that is distinguished by its monumentality, its planned structure, and the great amount of labour required for its erection, often over a longer period of time.

The main interest of this session is the embedment of such megastructures in space, taking special note of the relationship between megastructure and hinterland. In this context, the term megastructure does not pertain to settlements alone, but includes sanctuaries, grave monuments, etc. The themes to be dealt with include reciprocal effects between the centre and the environs, the effects on available resources through the continual use of megastructures, and the possible reaction to the shortage of resources. A further point of interest is the expansion of modern agglomerations onto previous megastructures and the socio-political and landscape archaeological handling of this situation.