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Climate change and the expansion of the Scythian culture after 850 BC: a hypothesis

van Geel, B., Bokovenko, N. A., Burova, N. D., Chugunov, K. V., Dergachev, V. A., Dirksen, V. G., Kulkova, M., Nagler, A., Parzinger, H., van der Plicht, J., Vasiliev, S. S. & Zaitseva, G. I. Dec-2004 In : Journal of Archaeological Science. 31, 12, p. 1735-1742 8 p.

Research output: Scientific - peer-reviewArticle

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  • B van Geel
  • NA Bokovenko
  • ND Burova
  • KV Chugunov
  • VA Dergachev
  • VG Dirksen
  • M Kulkova
  • A Nagler
  • H Parzinger
  • J van der Plicht
  • SS Vasiliev
  • GI Zaitseva

in south-central Siberia archaeological evidence suggests an acceleration of cultural development and an increase in the density of nomadic populations around 850 BC. We hypothesize a relationship with an abrupt climatic shift towards increased humidity caused by a decline of solar activity. Areas that initially may have been hostile semi-deserts changed into attractive steppe landscapes with a high biomass production and high carrying capacity. Newly available steppe areas Could be invaded by herbivores, making them attractive for nomadic tribes. The central Asian horse-riding Scythian culture expanded, and an increased population density, vas a stimulus for westward migration towards southeastern Europe. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1735-1742
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of Archaeological Science
Volume31
Issue number12
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec-2004
Total WOS citations44

Keywords

  • carrying capacity, chronology, climate change, Eurasia, migration, Scythian culture, solar forcing, CHRONOLOGY, HOLOCENE, TELECONNECTIONS, MONGOLIA, DATES

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