Mathematical Modelling

Clive Orton*

Summary

The field of mathematical modelling is long established in archaeology, and since the 1970s has been frequently associated with computing through the development of increasingly complex methodologies ranging from large-scale simulations to Bayesian statistics. This article looks at the background and use of these models, and asks why there has been an apparent downturn in their use. A distrinction between 'tactical' and 'strategic' models is drawn, and number of areas of future development identified.

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Clive Orton
Institute of Archaeology
University College London
31-34 Gordon Square
London
WC1H 0PY, UK.

c.orton@ucl.ac.uk