Agent-Based Modeling of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptive Strategies

Literature
Maintained by Stephan Henn
Created at 8.3.2017

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.

Bibliography

Solich, M., Bradtmöller, M. (2016): Agent-Based Modeling of Hunter-Gatherer Adaptive Strategies. University of Cologne

authorSolich, Martin and Bradtmöller, Marcel
keyMartinSolich2016
organizationUniversity of Cologne
typepresentation
year2016
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