The subtleties of the seas : thoughts on Mediterranean island biogeography
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.3, No.2, 2003, pages 5-15
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5-15
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Articles
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Abstract:
Mathematical principles developed for the analyses of Pacific island biogeography have beenused to explain insular exploration and colonization in the Mediterranean. This paper contendsthat one mathematical tool, the Target-Distance Ratio, is not adequately suited for theMediterranean. Its archipelagos are unique due to the surrounding nearby coasts, and the Target-Distance Ratio does not sufficiently explain the human perception of the initial colonization. Acognitive approach is adopted to assess how potential colonizers perceived the water barriers. Iexamine maps made prior to sextant mea-surements and the Mercator Projection to understandhow would-be colonizers may have visualized and anticipated the voyage. The analysis suggeststhat mariners probably did not envision the dangers of sailing in terms of distances, implyingTarget-Distance Ratios are inade-quate to explain the Neolithic colonization of the Mediterraneanislands. Instead, this essay focuses on developments in stone tool technology that probablyadvanced sea-faring capabilities and in turn allowed early farmers to move to islands.
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Keywords:
Island biogeography, Neolithic, dugout boats, stone axes, early farming
