Radiocarbon Dated Trends and Central Mediterranean Prehistory

Abstract This paper reviews the evidence for long term trends in anthropogenic activity and population dynamics across Holocene central Mediterranean chronology of cultural events. The this has been constituted a database 4608 radiocarbon dates (of which 4515 were retained analysis following initial screening) from 1195 archaeological sites southern France, Italy Malta, spanning Mesolithic to Early Iron Age periods, c. 8000 500 BC. We provide an overview settlement record prehistory add assessment available order review traditional narratives on region. new enabled us identify most significant points time where levels, change have together caused strong temporal patterning record. Some these episodes localized one region, whereas others part pan-regional trajectories that took many centuries play out fully, revealing prehistoric societies subject collapse, recovery, continuing instability over long-term. Using evidence, we model growth rates various regions so tempo at certain space can be identified, compared, discussed context demographic change. other published databases data, drawn comparisons wider Europe, northern Africa. Finally, include brief response synchronously but independently developed (Palmisano et al. J World Prehist 34(3), 2021). While there are differences our respective approaches, share general conclusions large-scale identified through meta-analyses record, offer perspectives how society functioned.