The Use of Living Space in Prehistory

Description

Living space may be defined as the territory where a certain group lived and foraged throughout the time reflected in its social memory, and which is comprehended by this group as the territorial unit necessary for survival, regardless of its geographic boundaries. This is the ‘space’ that provided a base in which to live, and which was influenced by its explorers and thus reflected in some way in their spiritual life, ideology, and specific notions of identity. Taking into account the organizational peculiarities and activities of prehistoric populations, it becomes possible to distinguish the territorial, temporal, and purposeful structuring of each separate group living space. This volume of conference proceedings presents a set of case studies covering periods from the Late Mousterian to Early Sarmatian times, which help to conceptualise this notion as an important instrument for researchers engaged in the comprehensive investigation and interpretation of prehistoric societies.