Leiden University Student Repository

Knaap, Laura van der (2022)

Reuse of Agent-Based Models in Archaeology: A Reapplication of the MERCURY model to the Distribution of Sigillata in the Roman West

Master thesis | Archaeology (MA/MSc)

The reuse of agent-based models (ABM) is widely recognized to have a number of benefits. Not only is it often economical to reuse models, it can also be a great methodological test and tool for theory-building. However, reuse, like replication, of ABM is still rare in archaeology, and little critical discussion exists on the topic. This thesis aims to open up a discussion regarding the reuse of ABM in archaeology, its potential, and its limitations. It features a reapplication of Brughmans and Poblome’s well-studied MERCURY ABM to a new case study and data-set: Sigillata in the Roman West as seen through Römisch-Germanisches Zentralmuseum’s Samian Research database. In this process, new insights are gained into the MERCURY model, and challenges to reimplementing and reusing the ABM are identified. The thesis concludes by discussing the general challenges to and potential of ABM reuse in archaeology as gauged from the reapplication exercise.

Agent-based modelling

Simulation

Digital Archaeology

Author

Knaap, Laura van der

Faculty

Faculty of Archaeology

Specialisation

Digital Archaeology

Supervisors

Lambers, K.

ECTS Credits

20

Language

en