Agent-Based Modeling for Archaeology: Simulating the Complexity of Societies

Description

To fully understand not only the past, but also the trajectories, of human societies, we need a more dynamic view of human social systems. Agent-based modeling (ABM), which can create fine-scale models of behavior over time and space, may reveal important, general patterns of human activity. Agent-Based Modeling for Archaeology is the first ABM textbook designed for researchers studying the human past. Appropriate for scholars from archaeology, the digital humanities, and other social sciences, this book offers novices and more experienced ABM researchers a modular approach to learning ABM and using it effectively. Readers will find the necessary background, discussion of modeling techniques and traps, references, and algorithms to use ABM in their own work. They will also find engaging examples of how other scholars have applied ABM, ranging from the study of the intercontinental migration pathways of early hominins, to the weather–crop–population cycles of the American Southwest, to the trade networks of Ancient Rome. This textbook provides the foundations needed to simulate the complexity of past human societies, offering researchers a richer understanding of the past—and likely future—of our species. The electronic version of this textbook can be downloaded for free at: https://santafeinstitute.github.io/ABMA/ 0: The Art & Science of Building Societies in Silico The Foundational Steps of Building an Agent-Based Model Trading up to Complex Models of Economic Interactions Reaping the Rewards: Addressing Archaeological Questions Mobility Algorithms: How Does Movement Leave Its Mark? Exchange Algorithms: How Do People Trade in Goods, Ideas, and Pathogens? Subsistence Algorithms: Why Do Some Societies Thrive while Others Fade? Modeling with Spatial Data: Bringing the GIS World to ABM Modeling with Relational Data: Relationships and Exchange using Network Science Data Analysis: Leveraging Data Science to Explore ABM Results Conclusion Glossary Model Zoo Making Colorblind-Friendly ABMs Index