Estimations of population density for selected periods between the Neolithic and AD 1800.
Abstract We describe a combination of methods applied to obtain reliable estimations of population density using archaeological data. The combination is based on a hierarchical model of scale levels. The necessary data and methods used to obtain the results are chosen so as to define transfer functions from one scale level to another. We apply our method to data sets from western Germany that cover early Neolithic, Iron Age, Roman, and Merovingian times as well as historical data from AD 1800. Error margins and natural and historical variability are discussed. Our results for nonstate societies are always lower than conventional estimations compiled from the literature, and we discuss the reasons for this finding. At the end, we compare the calculated local and global population densities with other estimations from different parts of the world.
Zimmermann
Andreas
A
Institute of Prehistoric Archaeology, University of Cologne, Weyertal 125, D 50932 Köln, Germany.
Hilpert
Johanna
J
Wendt
Karl Peter
KP
D001106:Archaeology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003468:Cultural Evolution / Q000266:history*; D003469:Culture; D003710:Demography; D005060:Europe; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D008957:Models, Genetic; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011156:Population Density; D011157:Population Dynamics