Models of prehistoric land use in the Gaoping region, southwest Taiwan

Abstract

With its unique geomorphic setting and extended settlement history, Taiwan has yielded unequivocal rich archaeological record. In addition, numerous historical documents, demographic census records, ethnographic data, and geological information provide supporting evidence for archaeological interpretation. This study has systematically surveyed the west part of the Gaoping region. Results are used to compare with the existing archaeological sites from other parts of the region. After having both natural and cultural formation processes examined and their impacts on archaeological records assessed, and based on site spatial distributions and their temporal placements, this study then generates three hypothetical models, namely the demographic, the ethnographic, and the geographic, to interpret and explain site distribution pattern across space through time. The potential of archaeological research in Taiwan is emphasized and further research inquiries are addressed.