Studies on the methodology and significance of diachronic settlement analyses in Prehistoric Archaeology: A meta-analysis based on datasets from the central uplands in Germany

• Applicant: Dr. Jan Miera
• Subject Area: Prehistory and World Archaeology
• Term: since 2022
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 510242654

The main objective of diachronic studies in settlement archaeology is the investigation of long-term changes in settlement dynamics. Accordingly, the spatial distribution of sites from different time periods is analyzed in relation to terrain covariates to identify similarities and differences in settlement patterns as well as their potential driving factors. In addition, complementary source-critical analyses are carried out in order to identify biases in site distribution patterns with regard to the functional interpretation and dating of the sites. A synthesis of these investigations allows a discussion of long-term settlement dynamics, taking into account the representativeness of archaeological site distributions and the significance of changes in economic, social or climatic terms.In Germany, several diachronic studies in settlement archaeologicy have been conducted using quantitative methods since the 1980s, especially within the area of the Central Uplands. However, despite this long research tradition, no standards have been established so far with regard to the recording, processing, classification and evaluation of archaeological and geographical data. Instead, a potpourri of varying maps as well as individual methodological and analytical procedures form the basis of the current state of knowledge of prehistoric settlement dynamics in Germany. As a result of this diversity, it is extremely difficult to compare results from different study areas to develop a supra-regional synthesis of prehistoric settlement dynamics. The few conclusions drawn in this way are preliminary at best. Hence, it remains to be seen whether the observed differences and/or similarities in prehistoric settlement dynamics from different study areas actually reflect regional and/or chronological trends.The aim of the project is to take up this desideratum and to carry out a systematic supra-regional diachronic study by investigating settlement dynamics between the Neolithic and the end of the Latène period within the Central Uplands in Germany. For the first time, selected archaeological catalogs of earlier diachronic studies will be utilized, i.e. the archaeological data will be standardized with respect to their function, dating and spatial delineation. All comparative analyses will be based on geographic data that are available for all regions taken into account. Subsequently, (supra-)regional developments will be identified and the relevance of selected terrain covariates and climatic changes for individual time periods and site types will be discussed. In addition, the (supra-)regional importance of source-critical factors will be investigated. With its conception, the project utilizes the scientific potential of previous studies through a targeted valorization of available data. Thus, the project enables a supra-regional synthesis of prehistoric settlement dynamics for the first time and provides a structured and expandable dataset for future research.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants