Demographic Transitions – Cycles and Mobility in the Neolithic of Western Germany

Abstract

Estimates of population density for the Early Neolithic (Linearbandkeramik) of western Germany exhibit marked diachronic dynamics that may be described as demographic cycles. These patterns are validated by a source-critical approach on various scales that combines distribution maps and observation frequencies in time. As a second step, processes causing downswings are addressed. Did people become extinct or did they just move away? Furthermore, potential influencing factors are discussed. At a regional scale, a preliminary modelling of the LBK cycle in the lower Rhine basin based on a logistic equation is calculated and possible interpretations are discussed. For future analyses on supra-regional scales, a statistical analysis is proposed in which size and resilience of past societies are analyzed by internal dynamics as well as external factors.

Resources

• Zimmermann_etal_2020_Demographic Transitions_Cycles and Mobility.pdf

Bibliography

Zimmermann, A., Scharl, S., Schmidt, I. (2020): Demographic Transitions – Cycles and Mobility in the Neolithic of Western Germany. Archaeopress. Demography and Migration. Population trajectories from the Neolithic to the Iron Age, Vol. 5, Gloucester