The Bedolina map – an exploratory network analysis

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, pp. 366-371

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Abstract

This paper applies the techniques of network analysis to an example of Iron Age mappiform rockart in Valcamonica, Italy, (known as the Bedolina map) in order to better understand the nature and creation of the representation. Measures such as vertex degree, closeness centrality and density support the conclusions that the image forms a coherent whole, that there may well be a preferred compositional primitive consisting of a particular combination of element types and that different image elements differ in the way that they relate to the mappiform as a whole.