Spatial-Temporal Evolution of the Distribution Pattern of Neolithic Sites in Han River Basin, China

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study analyzed the spatial and temporal distributions of 644 Neolithic sites in the Han River basin, China. The results showed that 31.06% of the Neolithic sites were distributed on low-altitude plains with an average altitude of 144.78 m; 22.98% were located on low platforms with an average altitude of 137.92 m, and 12.73% were distributed on low-altitude hills with an average altitude of 240.77 m. The aggregation fractal dimension (A), the proportion of pottery with carbon (PPMC) and the proportion of polished stone (PPST) were introduced to reveal the social development level. Meanwhile, the temperature anomalies (AT), total organic carbon content (TOC), total nitrogen content (TN), and carbon isotopic ratios (δ13C) were used to reveal the environmental context. Then, the correlation coefficients (hereafter, R) between different indicators were calculated. The result showed that a stable and suitable natural environment was a prerequisite for social development in the Neolithic Age. The persistent improvement in the ability of human beings to identify, manipulate and utilise nature was observed in the Neolithic Age in Han River basin, which marked the transformation of human society from hunting to farming and the start of human interactions with the natural world over time.