Environmental indifference? A critique of environmentally deterministic theories of peatland archaeological site construction in Ireland

摘要: Abstract Climate change, whether gradual or sudden, has frequently been invoked as a causal factor to explain many aspects of cultural change during the prehistoric and early historic periods. Critiquing such theories often proven difficult, not least because imprecise dating palaeoclimate archaeological records difficulties merging two strands research. Here we consider one example record – peatland site construction in Ireland which previously interpreted terms social response climate examine close scrutiny palaeoenvironmental upholds climatically deterministic hypotheses. We evaluate evidence for phasing temporal distribution trackways related sites Irish peatlands, more than 3500 examples have recorded, through examination of ∼350 dendrochronological 14 C dates from these structures. The role influencing when were constructed is assessed by comparing visually statistically frequency over last 4500 years with well-dated, multiproxy reconstructions peatlands. demonstrate that national patterns “peatland activity” exist indicate bogs was neither constant nor random phenomenon. Phases activity (i.e. periods number structures increased), well ‘lulls’ separate them, show no consistent correlation wetter drier conditions on bogs, suggesting impetus start cessation climatically-determined. propose trigger(s) must instead also be sought within wider, contemporary background. Perhaps surprisingly, comparison palynological shows tends occur at times expansive settlement land-use, used landscape being widely occupied. Interestingly, lulls coincide transitional points between nominal phases, typically defined basis their material culture, implying there may indeed discontinuity times.