Understanding the Spatial Patterning of English Archaeology: Modelling Mass Data, 1500 BC to AD 1086

Chris Green, Chris Gosden, Anwen Cooper, Tyler Franconi, Letty ten Harkel, Zena Kamash, Andrew Lowerre

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Abstract

Variation in the density of archaeological evidence is caused by a multitude of interacting factors, some of which reinforce each other and some of which act to disguise genuine patterns of past practice. This paper initially presents a set of density models for England constructed by the members of the English Landscape and Identities (EngLaId) project and then goes on to discuss three possible explanations for the variation seen: modern affordance, variability in past usage of material culture, and past population density. The various members of the project team (with the aid of Andrew Lowerre) then provide their thoughts on the models and ideas presented from their own specific period specialist perspectives. The article is presented in this discursive format to reflect the differing opinions and approaches across an unusual multi-period project, in the spirit of multi-vocality and healthy debate.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)244-280
Number of pages37
JournalArchaeological Journal
Volume174
Issue number1
Early online date20 Sept 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

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