Consumption and circulation of prehistoric products in Europe: characterization of spatial evolutions by using map algebra

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008 375 (Abstract)

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Abstract

Modelling the evolution of the consumption of products in prehistory with map algebra methods brings good results. These methods are used to reconstitute the continuity of space from a distribution of points, without interpolation; to highlight the main metal consumption areas and to combine several parameters in order to understand the organization of space. The quantification of social and economic values of the archaeological discoveries distinguishes several different ways of metal consumption and different organizations of territories. Creating a protocol of analyses using various map algebra methods applied to several parameters can lead to propose models of spatial organization. Two case studies are presented from the results of a thesis dedicated to the metal consumption during the Bronze Age and some results of the research programme ArchaeDyn on the dynamics of consumption and circulation of raw materials and final products in the prehistoric Europe.