Contrasting patterns of prehistoric human diet and subsistence in northernmost Europe.

ABSTRACT: Current archaeological evidence indicates the transition from hunting-fishing-gathering to agriculture in Northern Europe was a gradual process. This transition was especially complex in the prehistoric North Fennoscandian landscape where the high latitude posed a challenge to both domestic animal breeding and cereal cultivation. The conditions varied, the coastal dwellers had access to rich marine resources and enjoyed a milder climate due to the Gulf Stream, while those living in the inland Boreal forest zone faced longer and colder winters and less diversity in animal and plant resources. Thus, the coastal area provided more favourable conditions for early agriculture compared to those found inland. Interestingly, a cultural differentiation between these areas is archaeologically visibl

SUBMITTER: Paakkonen M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5773502 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature