Evolution of Waterways and Early Human Settlements in the Eastern Baltic Area: Radiocarbon-Based Chronology

Abstract

Newly obtained radiocarbon measurements are used to suggest that the initial settlement of the northeastern Baltic area was largely controlled by the Ladoga-Baltic waterway in the north of the Karelian Isthmus, which emerged ∼11,500 cal BP and remained in action for ∼7000 yr. The transgression of Ladoga Lake started ∼5000 cal BP and reached its maximum at ∼3000 cal BP (∼1100–1000 cal BC). The formation of a new outlet via the Neva River led to a rapid regression of the lake that stimulated the spread of farming populations.