Agent-Based Modeling of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptive Strategies
Abstract
Presentation given at the workshop "Inside - Outside" at the University of Cologne, 2016
Drawing conclusions on behavioral patterns of prehistoric hunter-gatherers from archaeological data - from cave and open air sites -remains a highly challenging task. The high fragmentation of the available records results in their interpretation strongly relying on conceptual models for correlation of the data. Agent-based modeling presents a promising complementary methodology for supporting the formulation and exploration of those conceptual models to test or increase their plausibility. This is especially relevant where hunter-gatherer societies are believed to have constituted complex adaptive systems. The aim of this paper is to argue why complex system theory provides a useful theoretical framework for understanding behavioral variations and to demonstrate how agent-based models can help to identify most probable conceptual models for specific timeframes and regions. By referring to a theoretical framework focusing on dynamic adaptation processes which are associated with effects on system resilience properties, the paper presents how case-specific explanatory models for archaeological detectable behavioral variations can be developed. As an application example, the case of the Northern Spain Gravettian is discussed.
Resources
Bibliography
Solich, M., Bradtmöller, M. (2016): Agent-Based Modeling of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptive Strategies. University of Cologne
author | Solich, Martin and Bradtmöller, Marcel |
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key | MartinSolich2016 |
organization | University of Cologne |
type | presentation |
year | 2016 |