Population dynamics and socio-spatial organization of the Aurignacian: Scalable quantitative demographic data for western and central Europe.

ABSTRACT: Demographic estimates are presented for the Aurignacian techno-complex (~42,000 to 33,000 y calBP) and discussed in the context of socio-spatial organization of hunter-gatherer populations. Results of the analytical approach applied estimate a mean of 1,500 persons (upper limit: 3,300; lower limit: 800) for western and central Europe. The temporal and spatial analysis indicates an increase of the population during the Aurignacian as well as marked regional differences in population size and density. Demographic increase and patterns of socio-spatial organization continue during the subsequent early Gravettian period. We introduce the concept of Core Areas and Extended Areas as informed analytical spatial scales, which are evaluated against additional chronological and archaeological data.

SUBMITTER: Schmidt I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6373918 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature