Subsistence and population development from the Middle Neolithic B (2800–2350 BCE) to the Late Neolithic (2350–1700 BCE) in Southern Scandinavia

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301938
• Publication Date: 2024-10-28T17:31:48Z
• Authors: Jens Winther Joha...; Julian Laabs; Magdalena M. E. B...; Morten Fischer Mo...
• Keywords: 550; Archaeology; Science; Q; Radiometric Dating; R; Medicine; Humans; 930; Scandinavian and Nordic Countries; Population Growth; History, Ancient; Research Article

The present study aims to explore the hypothesis of a link between population increase derived from intensified food production and development widespread cultural diversity Middle Neolithic B (MNB) unity towards end Late (LN) in Southern Scandinavia. We this through quantitative modelling radiocarbon dates, aoristic time series material culture palynological data. On basis, we propose three main results that may explain transformation: (1) A supra-regional increase, culminating middle LN (c. 2100 BCE). (2) depopulation Western Jutland at transition MNB 2400–2300 BCE) counterbalanced by North East Denmark. (3) boom Sweden around 2250–2000 BCE, possibly leading migrations west. Furthermore, an overall decline final 1850