Environmental and climatic considerations: a hypothesis for conflict and the emergence of social complexity in Fijian prehistory

Abstract

This research utilizes GIS-based environmental analyses in a study of Fijian prehistory. The results suggest that episodic droughts and floods related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) encouraged the development and persistence of competitive strategies in the Sigatoka Valley, located on the island of Viti Levu. These results also suggest the formulation of three modes of habitation/subsistence in Sigatoka Valley prehistory: territorial strongholds, remote refuges, and constructed fortifications on the valley bottom. Archaeological testing indicates that the Sigatoka Valley was initially occupied between Cal BC 20 and Cal AD 80, and fortifications that utilized natural topography were established ca. AD 600, and remained in use throughout the prehistoric period. Resettlement in remote environmental refuges ca. AD 1300–1500 suggest the development of buffering strategies during a period of environmental disturbance (the LCO/LIA transition). The repercussions of increased interaction and population growth on the emergence of social complexity after 500 BP are also hypothesized.