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

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 t...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of archaeological science Vol. 31; no. 12; pp. 1735 - 1742
Main Authors 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.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2004
Subjects
Carrying capacity
Chronology
Climate change
Eurasia
Migration
Scythian culture
Solar forcing
Carrying capacity
Climate change
Solar forcing
Eurasia
Migration
Chronology
Scythian culture
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Summary: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 was a stimulus for westward migration towards southeastern Europe.
ISSN:0305-4403
1095-9238
DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2004.05.004