From dots to dynamics: Searching the complexities of prehistoric mobility in the Lisbon Peninsula

Abstract

This study explores prehistoric mobility networks in the Lisbon Peninsula, focusing on the Chalcolithic and Late Bronze Age periods. Utilising Least Cost Path (LCP) methodologies and Tobler's Hiking Function, movement patterns and connectivity between settlements were analysed. The research reveals a complex landscape of human interactions and environmental adaptations, highlighting social and economic transformations across these periods. In the Chalcolithic, a dense network of routes was identified, which suggest intense social and trade exchanges. In contrast, the Late Bronze Age (LBA) exhibits a changed mobility landscape, with less dense but more focused routes, reflecting possible socio-economic reorganisations. This study not only sheds light on the territorial dynamics of the Lisbon Peninsula during these critical periods but also contributes to a richer understanding of occupation strategies and the relationship between humans and their environment.