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Woodland clearance in the Mesolithic: the social aspects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 March 2015

Paul Davies ,
John G. Robb  and
Dave Ladbrook
Paul Davies
Affiliation:
School of Science and the Environment, Bath Spa University College, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
John G. Robb
Affiliation:
School of Science and the Environment, Bath Spa University College, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
Dave Ladbrook
Affiliation:
School of Science and the Environment, Bath Spa University College, Newton Park, Bath BA2 9BN, UK
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Abstract

Did Mesolithic people regard the woodland as a wilderness or park? Previous models have portrayed the hunter-gatherers of the Mesolithic as in tune with nature and making use of clearings to attract game. Using equally valid analogies, the authors propose a more hostile landscape that was conceived and managed with clearings and paths to help allay its menacing character.

Keywords

Mesolithicwoodlandsubsistencephenomenology
Type
Research
Information
Antiquity , Volume 79 , Issue 304 , June 2005 , pp. 280 - 288
Copyright
Copyright © Antiquity Publications Ltd. 2005

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