Location Of Archaeological Sites Research Articles

Interdisciplinary insights into the cultural and chronological context of chili pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum L.) domestication in Mexico

This study investigates the temporal and spatial factors driving the domestication of Capsicum annuum var. annuum L. in Mexico. This species exhibits the greatest morphological diversity in fruit among Capsicum species-a characteristic that is even more pronounced in contemporary landraces cultivated by indigenous communities. Despite the chili pepper's integral role in regional culinary traditions, its domestication history in this region remains poorly understood, often subject to scholarly interpretations that marginalize or oversimplify archaeological evidence. To address this gap, our interdisciplinary team of archaeologists, botanists, and ecologists combine modern and archaeological Capsicum seed data, diachronic archaeological site locations, and ecological niche modeling to identify potential regions where early human populations and the closest wild ancestors may have coexisted. Our results show spatial correlations between early Capsicum distribution and archaeological site prevalence, suggesting that the beginning of the domestication process occurred in ecologically suitable areas for both wild Capsicum and human settlement. These findings challenge previous hypotheses regarding highland/dry cave domestication regions, as our data indicate that lowland regions-specifically the Yucatán Peninsula and southern coastal Guerrero-were more conducive to early encounters between wild Capsicum and humans. We propose a geographically diffuse and protracted model of chili pepper domestication-driven by a ruderal pathway-which involved at least two asynchronous events across Mexico.

Ambiguous landscapes: A framework for assessing robustness and uncertainties in archaeological point pattern analysis.

Landscape research in archaeology has greatly benefited from the increasing application of computational methods over the last decades. Spatial statistical methods such as point pattern analysis have been particularly revolutionary. Archaeologists have used point pattern analysis to explore spatial arrangements and relations between 'points' (e.g., locations of artefacts or archaeological sites). However, the results obtained from these techniques can be greatly affected by the uncertainty coming from the fragmentary nature of archaeological data, their irregular distribution in the landscape, and the working methods used to study them. Furthermore, the quantification of uncertainty in spatial data coming from non-systematic surveys has never been fully addressed. To overcome this challenge, archaeologists have increasingly relied on applying advanced methods from statistics, data science, and geography. While the application of advanced methods from formal sciences will provide robustness to models based on uncertain datasets, as with uncertainty, robustness must be assessed in relation to the case study, the regional context, and the methods used. These issues are of great importance when the models from advanced methods are directly used to create narratives about past landscapes. In this paper, we gather previous research on uncertainty quantification in archaeology and formalize its best practices into a framework to assess robustness and uncertainty in spatial statistical models, particularly focusing on one commonly used in the discipline, i.e., the Pair Correlation Function. This framework allows us to understand better how incomplete data affect a model, quantify the model uncertainties, and assess the robustness of the results achieved with spatial point processes.

Changing with the times: From agricultural potential to spatially explicit reconstructions of past land use

Past land-use reconstructions are a key tool for studying long-term human ecodynamics and addressing pressing questions about the origins and evolutionary dynamics of the Anthropocene. In particular, agricultural landcover reconstructions are vital for understanding long-term human-environment dynamics. Most past agricultural land-use models, however, rely heavily on modelling assumptions, make limited use of known archaeological site locations to constrain or inform their estimates and tend to be limited to general estimates of percentages of plant types within catchments around pollen trapping lakes. The lack of information outside catchment areas and low spatial resolution even within catchments constrain the utility of these models. To address this problem, we propose a new approach that combines archaeological predictive modelling with pollen-based agricultural landcover reconstructions to produce more accurate, spatially explicit past landcover estimates. Here, we present the results of a case study deploying the new approach to produce improved past landcover maps for a region in the Western Taurus Mountains, southwestern Turkey. The study area surrounds Sagalassos, an antique urban centre with a regional settlement history encompassing nine millennia. We produced five archaeological predictive models for the study region using the ‘Locally Adaptive Models of Archaeological Potential’ (LAMAP) method spanning the Hellenistic through Late Ottoman period. We then combined those predictive surfaces with ‘Regional Estimates of VEgetation Abundance from Large Sites’ (REVEALS) pollen landcover reconstructions for the same periods based on pollen from sediment cores extracted from three catchments within the study area. Lastly, we compared the resulting hybrid landcover models to the archaeological record using data not used to make the predictions. We found that the hybrid landcover model aligned very well with the known extents of agricultural land-use from the study area. These results indicate that the proposed approach is a viable way to combine pollen-based landcover models with archaeological data and produce more accurate, empirically-based landcover reconstructions reflecting real human activity in the past.

Employing discrete global grid systems for reproducible data obfuscation

Archaeological heritage worldwide is threatened through deliberate destruction in particular site looting making the location of archaeological sites potentially sensitive data. At the same time, public information about site locations are important for heritage management, as well as agricultural and urban development. Finding a balance between revealing detailed site locations and not providing data at all is a difficult task. Here we provide an approach to obfuscate archaeological site location data facilitated through a Discrete Global Grid System. We then apply the new obfuscation method to the global p3k14c data set. Veiling the locations of heritage sites with a Discrete Global Grid System allows tiered accuracy access for different stakeholders tailored to their respective needs as well as legal constraints and requirements of administrations. Discrete Global Grid System based obfuscation is globally scalable, consistent, reproducible, and can address the current heterogeneity of obfuscation methods.

Point Pattern Analysis (PPA) as a tool for reproducible archaeological site distribution analyses and location processes in early iron age south-west Germany.

Point Pattern Analysis (PPA) has gained momentum in archaeological research, particularly in site distribution pattern recognition compared to supra-regional environmental variables. While PPA is now a statistically well-established method, most of the data necessary for the analyses are not freely accessible, complicating reproducibility and transparency. In this article, we present a fully reproducible methodical framework to PPA using an open access database of archaeological sites located in south-west Germany and open source explanatory covariates to understand site location processes and patterning. The workflow and research question are tailored to a regional case study, but the code underlying the analysis is provided as an R Markdown file and can be adjusted and manipulated to fit any archaeological database across the globe. The Early Iron Age north of the Alps and particularly in south-west Germany is marked by numerous social and cultural changes that reflect the use and inhabitation of the landscape. In this work we show that the use of quantitative methods in the study of site distribution processes is essential for a more complete understanding of archaeological and environmental dynamics. Furthermore, the use of a completely transparent and easily adaptable approach can fuel the understanding of large-scale site location preferences and catchment compositions in archaeological, geographical and ecological research.

Mapping landscape in Longshan period’s hierarchical society (3000–2000BCE) of North Loess Plateau: from archaeological predictive model to GIS spatial analysis

On the North Loess Plateau of China, city civilization, social complexity, and stratification emerged during the Longshan period (3000-2000BCE). Based on Geographic Information System (GIS) analysis and archaeological predictive model, we conducted a comparative analysis of environmental characteristics between sites and non-sites, ordinary and walled city sites, as well as large and smaller city sites. Initially, we developed a Binary Logistic Regression (BLR) model to predict the locations of archaeological sites from this period. Our findings indicate a high predictive accuracy of the model, demonstrating a clear environmental preference by the people of the Longshan Period. The presence or absence of the site was found to be influenced by various factors, including temperature, elevation, river distance, and precipitation. Furthermore, we discovered that walled cities had higher environmental requirements compared to ordinary sites. Terrain and land use played a more significant role in shaping prehistoric cities than climate. Lastly, the landscape in the Shimao site, which served as a most crucial and largest settlement centers on the North Loess Plateau (NLP), resembled that of other minor walled cities. Due to its abundant grassland, Shimao relied more on animal husbandry rather than agriculture. The combination of agriculture and animal husbandry has promoted the urbanization processes.

Archaeological Research on the Former KL Auschwitz I and KL Auschwitz II-Birkenau Site

For many years Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum has been conducting excavation works on the site of the former German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz II-Birkenau, related to the implementation of projects to preserve the authenticity and other ad hoc maintenance works, as well as those related to the extension of the necessary infrastructure network in the area of the former camp. These works, carried out in various parts of the former Birkenau, are subject to obligatory archaeological research. Over the years, a large number of reports on archaeological works have been collected. Researchers faced the challenge of accumulating dispersed archaeological information, mainly about the location of archaeological research sites and about the findings that were noted during the works. The chosen solution was the use of GIS software. Initially, this was QGIS, which is to be replaced by ArcGIS Pro over time. This makes it possible to place excavation sites in a generalised form on a map (contemporary or historical) or on a properly prepared aerial photo (for any year from the years available: 1944-2022). The outline of the excavation in the above-mentioned programs is interactive with the user. The description of the findings from a given place is added to it. The set of data thus prepared can then be filtered and selected, like in a popular spreadsheet. The amount of information on one map can be enhanced with underground infrastructure networks (as information about possible collisions) and road and construction infrastructure of the camp area which enables better orientation in the surroundings. Introduction of the possibilities of deeper analytics of large data sets is the main basis for outlining the possibilities of Geographic Information Systems.

Open-Access Archaeological Predictive Modeling Using Zonal Statistics: A Case Study from Zanzibar, Tanzania

This paper presents a case study using zonal statistical analysis for archaeological predictive modeling with open-access software and free geospatial datasets. The method is applied to the rural landscapes of Zanzibar, Tanzania on the Swahili Coast. This study used QGIS (version 3.28) to perform zonal statistical analyses of environmental datasets weighted by settlement classes digitized from a 1907 historical map, to create predictive models for settlement across the island. These models were compared against the locations of major precolonial archaeological sites on the island and site data from a random stratified archaeological survey in an environmentally diverse region of northern Zanzibar. The results show strong correspondences between larger permanent site locations and areas of high likelihood for site detection in the predictive model. Additionally, there were correspondences between areas of lower likelihood for site detection and smaller, ephemeral sites related to agricultural production in swidden field plots. These results attest to Swahili rural complexity and enable an understanding of the specific environmental affordances that structured settlement and land use over the last millennium, in ways that shaped colonial contact in rural areas and altered the sociopolitical development of Zanzibar and the East African coast. The methods described here may be applicable for researchers and heritage managers in Africa and the Global South, where funding for large-scale field projects, expensive satellite imagery, or software licensing is limited.

Distribution of Austronesian languages and archaeology in Western New Guinea, Indonesia

The correlation between language spread and the existence of archaeological remains is often debated when trying to prove prehistoric human migration in various locations. Numerous experts argue that language spread cannot always serve as evidence of human migration, as language and artifacts can diffuse without necessitating migration. This process may have taken place in Western New Guinea which is now part of Indonesian territory. In this area, known as Indonesian Papua, the influence of Austronesian culture has been significant for thousands of years. This paper aims to investigate whether there are any parallels between the presence of Austronesian material culture and the distribution of Austronesian languages in Papua, Indonesia. The method employed involves overlaying the locations of archaeological sites containing Austronesian material culture with the distribution of Austronesian languages in the region. The results indicate that while there is some overlap between language distribution and Austronesian cultural remains in the Papua region, particularly in parts of coastal areas and surrounding island, there are also coastal areas with high Austronesian archaeological potential that lack Austronesian language presence. This is especially true in the central highlands which are predominantly Australo-Papuan areas, where Austronesian cultural influence exists but is not accompanied by the language. This demonstrates that the presence of Austronesian cultural influences in the Papua region does not always have to be associated with Austronesian migration or the language, it is possible that the culture was adopted as a result of contacts that took place.

A prediction model for Xiangyang Neolithic sites based on a random forest algorithm

Abstract The archaeological site prediction model can accurately identify archaeological site areas to enable better knowledge and understanding of human civilization processes and social development patterns. A total of 129 Neolithic site data in the region were collected using the Xiangyang area as the study area. An eight-factor index system of elevation, slope, slope direction, micromorphology, distance to water, slope position, planar curvature, and profile curvature was constructed. A geospatial database with a resolution of 30 m × 30 m was established. The whole sample set was built and trained in the ratio of 1:1 archaeological to nonarchaeological sites to obtain the prediction results. The average Gini coefficient was used to evaluate the influence of various archaeological site factors. The results revealed that the area under the curve values of the receiver operating characteristic curves were 1.000, 0.994, and 0.867 for the training, complete, and test datasets, respectively. Moreover, 60% of the historical, archaeological sites were located in the high-probability zone, accounting for 12% of the study area. The prediction model proposed in this study matched the spatial distribution characteristics of archaeological site locations. With the model assessed using the best samples, the results were categorized into three classes: low, average, and high. The proportion of low-, average-, and high-probability zones decreased in order. The high-probability zones were mainly located near the second and third tributaries and distributed at the low eastern hills and central hillocks. The random forest (RF) model was used to rank the importance of archaeological site variables. Elevation, slope, and micro-geomorphology were classified as the three most important variables. The RF model for archaeological site prediction has better stability and predictive ability in the case field; the model provides a new research method for archaeological site prediction and provides a reference for revealing the relationship between archaeological activities and the natural environment.

Modelling Mediterranean oak palaeolandscapes using the MaxEnt model algorithm: The case of the NE Iberia under the Middle Holocene climatic scenario

The Mediterranean Basin is a global biodiversity hotspot, and oak tree species play an important role in it. Since the beginning of the Holocene (∼11.4 kyr BP), the distribution of forests has not occurred uniformly, resulting in diverse types of vegetation landscapes. In this study, we used a maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) to obtain the ecological niche model (ENM) of two sub-Mediterranean oak species, Quercus pubescens Willd. (pubescent oak) and Quercus ilex subsp. ilex (holm oak), both in the present day in the Iberian Peninsula and within a Middle Holocene (8.2–4.2 kyr BP) climatic scenario in the NE Iberian Peninsula. Moreover, we used the locations of Neolithic archaeological sites containing anthracological data to analyze the relationship between human occupations and oak habitats. Our results suggest that the two oaks have responded differently to the climatic conditions that have occurred, and show changes in both potential distributions. The palaeolandscape vegetation map shows a denser vegetation cover in the lowlands and a more open landscape in the highlands, with a higher dominance of Quercus pubescens in the septentrional areas, while Quercus ilex was more restricted to certain coastal areas. Temperature and precipitation factors, mainly seasonal climatic conditions, have had a greater impact on the distribution of vegetation than other factors. We found a good overlap between the ENM of the two oaks and the locations of the Neolithic sites analysed, and determined that the distribution of Neolithic archaeological sites is not random. The Neolithic populations in the study area depended heavily on the resources of the deciduous and evergreen sub- Mediterranean forest, although they also exploited the resources of the mountain pine forest. Neolithic sites distribution suggests that Neolithic human groups were aware of the potential of forests and probably gathered woody resources in their surroundings.

ГИС в палеогеографических и исторических реконструкциях прибрежной зоны Северо-Западной Колхиды в античный и средневековый периоды

For northwestern Colchis, many questions about both the ancient Greek colonization and the later Roman presence remain controversial. To a large extent, this is due to the poor preservation of the archaeological sites of the coastal area, which is one of the most dynamically changing natural formations. Therefore, one of the main objectives of the study was to investigate the paleo-landscape and paleo-climate of the area. At present, there is a lack of research in this area. For this purpose, a special GIS of the north-western coast of Colchis was created, which allows the summary, combination and analysis of data and results from various studies (historical, archaeological, paleogeographical, etc.), cartographic material (including historical coastline maps) and UAV surveys. In order to analyze the coastline of the study area, a series of maps were digitized. This allowed the different timelines of the coastline in ancient and medieval times to be represented in a GIS and combined with a modern map of the depth of the sea near the coastline. It was found that in contrast to modern times, the Black Sea coastline in the study area was more indented in ancient and medieval times, necessitating more detailed study of individual areas selected based on GIS analysis of the spatial location of archaeological sites. They were described, and soil samples were taken for further analysis during the field season of 2022. The discovery of a previously unrecorded Holocene marine terrace system was one of the interesting results of the survey. The analysis of the location of archaeological sites in GIS has shown that Byzantine and Medieval sites were mainly recorded on the coast. Ancient sites are mostly found in areas with strong accumulation of rivers (Pitsunda, Sukhumi Cape), while they are often located relatively far from the coast. The GIS currently contains information on 1 780 archaeological sites and will be updated with paleogeographic data on selected Holocene terraces and soil samples.

АРХЕОЛОГИЧЕСКОЕ ИЗУЧЕНИЕ ЮЖНОЙ ЛЕСОСТЕПНОЙ ЗОНЫ ПРАВОБЕРЕЖЬЯ ОМСКОГО ПРИИРТЫШЬЯ: ИСТОРИЯ И СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ (ВТОРАЯ ПОЛОВИНА ХХ ВЕКА - ВТОРОЕ ДЕСЯТИЛЕТИЕ XXI ВЕКА)

The present article describes the history and shows the main results of archaeological research in the steppe and the southern part of the forest-steppe zone of the right-bank Irtysh area within the administrative borders of the contemporary Omsk region. The article is based on researching archival materials and the results of field surveys in recent years, and the authors assess the present state of known archaeological sites and showcase their importance, taking into account the current level of scientific knowledge concerning the history of the region. The authors note the uneven character of research coverage of the territory in question, and highlight the areas offering promise with regard to location of significant archaeological sites that have not been adequately studied yet. In the conclusion the authors map possible perspectives of archaeological study of the areas in question, based on the analysis of the presented material.

Kastek and Rgayty passes in written sources

The article talk about the mountain passes of Kastek and Yrgayty, related to the complex and dangerous parts of the caravan roads of the Antiquity and the Middle Ages. Between Kastek and Zhetizhol Ridges in the spurs of Tien Shan (Khan Tengri Mountains) is Kastek Pass and Rgaiti Pass between Zhetizhol and Atzhailau Mountains. Caravan or migration paths passed through the Kastek Pass from the Shu region to the Ily Valley, through the Rgayty Pass from the Shu region along the Shu-Ili mountain, and overlook the western end of Balkhash Lake. The names of mountains and passes in this region, found in written sources, and their etymology are discussed in more detail. The origin of the names “Kara-Kasmak,” “Arjatu,” “Urun-Arj,” found in written sources, is analyzed. An overview is also given of the meaning of the names of the Uisun tribes that inhabited this territory in ancient times, “Uosuәn,” “Oswan,” “Asien,” “U-suni = Asian,” “Usun” (“Wusun”), found in written sources. The data identified on the basis of archaeological exploration work conducted by the author in recent years in this region are analyzed in terms of new data on the Kastek and Rgaity passes. The author gives an overview of the history of studying ancient caravan roads and medieval monuments along with them, and shows the features of the topographic location of archaeological sites discovered in recent years. During the article, the names of the passes through which the caravan routes passed are etymologically revised, and the names “Usun Alatau” and “Usun Pass” are proposed on the basis of written data.

When the Land Sings: Reconstructing Prehistoric Environments Using Evidence from Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology, with Examples Drawn from Fluvial Environments in the Nile and Son Valleys

Geomorphic evidence from rivers and lakes can help explain past changes in the locations of archaeological sites as well as environmental and climatic changes in their catchment areas. Examples drawn from the Blue and White Nile valleys in northeast Africa and from the Son and Belan valleys in north-central India reveal how Quaternary climatic fluctuations in the headwaters of these rivers are reflected in changes in river channel patterns downstream as well as in the type of sediment transported. Soils and sediments that contain prehistoric and historic artefacts can be analysed to show the type of environment in which the artefacts accumulated. Beds of volcanic ash may preserve former landscapes and their fossil remains and can provide a synchronous time marker against which to assess changes in the archaeological record. The pattern and tempo of past sea level fluctuations has controlled the distribution of coastal archaeological sites and helps to explain the absence of certain Holocene Neolithic sites in southeast Asia. Disturbance of archaeological sites by plants and animals, especially termites in tropical regions, can affect the stratigraphic and chronological integrity of the site.

Minas, tambos, centros administrativos y montañas en red. Análisis de las interacciones socio-espaciales en el Norte Argentino durante el tahuantinsuyu

We investigate the Inca incorporation of northern Argentina (1450–1532 AD) from the social-spatial interaction networks. We employ Least Cost Path Analysis to determine whether the location of archaeological sites with Inca evidence were related through transit among spaces suitable for circulation. Then, based on the existence of relationships between the sites, a study of social interaction networks was carried out to evaluate the type of organization that the Incas gave to this part of Tahuantinsuyu. Two measures of centrality were calculated to assess whether there was a centralized local government or a domain with various centers of power. The results indicate an indirect form of government in which sites associated with mining and metallurgy and high-altitude sanctuaries were important in regional interaction.

Geoinformation analysis with the construction of a neural network model for predicting location of archaeological monuments in the landscapes of South-Eastern Altai

The article is devoted to the identification of landscape patterns of the location of archaeological sites in the South-East Altai using GIS and machine learning. The information database of archaeological sites of South-Eastern Altai was created based on literary sources, the authors' own field research. Schemes of distribution of archaeological sites according to some landscape features: absolute height; position in relation to watercourses; slopes; exposition; solar radiation intensity in June; Intensities of solar radiation for December was created on the basis of geoinformation analysis of the relief of the territory and the available archaeological data. The obtained statistical regularities of the distribution of archaeological sites in the landscapes of South-Eastern Altai were the basis for the creation and verification of the algorithm of a machine-learning model - a neural network. Based on the results, a forecast map of the location of archaeological sites was created. The greatest probability of discovering new archaeological objects could be provided by the following landscape parameters, no further than 500-600 m from the river with a slope steepness of up to 4 degrees, with high intensity and summer (June) solar radiation and with an exposure of slopes: southern, south-eastern and western. Unexplored archaeological sites in South-East Altai are most likely located along river valleys in the middle and lower reaches, at the confluence of rivers, along the periphery of intermountain basins, or on wide flat areas of above-floodplain terraces of river valleys. The data obtained make it possible to assess the contribution of landscape features to the spatial distribution of religious buildings of ancient peoples and provide opportunities for the search for new archaeological sites.

Summer Camps Location and Distribution of Archaeological Sites in North Neuquén (Northwest Patagonia)

ABSTRACT We study the bioclimatic and landscape characteristics of summer camps of modern transhumant herders from North Neuquén to generate a distribution model of upland areas suitable for herding and project their spatial distribution throughout the Holocene. With this aim, we analyzed ethnographic, bioclimatic and landscape data using habitat suitability models. The location of different types of archaeological sites was then compared with the projected models. The results for the current data show that the bioclimatic variables have a central role in determining the location of summer camp areas, showing a better capacity of explanation than the solely use of landscape variables as altitude. The projection of the bioclimatic model into the past showed significant temporal and spatial variation, although the archaeological sites are consistently localised in the limit between annually available and summer areas. For the Late Holocene, burial and rock art sites are mainly placed in areas available annually and in areas characterised as summer camps, respectively. Our findings show the usefulness of studying the ways of life and use of space of modern transhumant herders as a valid resource to generate hypotheses or expectations about the distribution of the archaeological sites from the same region.

Upper Delaware Valley Archaeological Synthesis

Upper Delaware Valley Archaeological Synthesis

Slowstands, stillstands and transgressions: Paleoshorelines and archaeology on Quadra Island, BC, Canada

On Quadra Island, west coast Canada, a series of marine terraces formed during a period of rapid marine regression from 200 m to 1 m above modern levels between ca. 14,500 and 12,000 years ago. Within this period of regional marine regression, evidence points to brief periods of sea level stillstand and even marine transgressions. It is hypothesized that during these anomalous periods, global meltwater events created a local signature on the Quadra Island sea level curve by slowing, halting and/or inversing the regional sea level regression trend. This is revealed through identification of high elevation paleoshorelines, landscape terracing and other stranded marine features from LiDAR Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and subsurface investigation. These paleomarine terraces are believed to have developed during brief marine stillstands, slowstands and minor marine transgressions. Pauses or slowing periods of regression appear to result from global eustatic rise briefly matching or exceeding local isostatic and tectonic uplift. The ages of these terraces, based on local sea level history and radiocarbon dating of some of the raised marine features, match well to the ages of coral-based marine terraces sequences associated with periods of rapid global sea level rise. A number of early post glacial to earliest Holocene archaeological sites are associated with the Quadra marine terraces. These associations suggest an improved approach to location of early archaeological sites dating to times of rapid sea level change.