The document discusses the significance of agent-based modeling (ABM) in historical archaeology, emphasizing the need for simplicity in model design and aims. It highlights that smaller, more focused models can lead to greater insights, particularly in the humanities, as evidenced by the complexities of historical relationships. The author cites examples and challenges related to modeling interactions between humans and objects.

1. Or, the role of agent based
modeling in historical
archaeology
Shawn Graham,
Carleton University
@electricarchaeo
“2”cc: t1ck, Flickr

2. “HUG?” cc, ~bassoonbuddy247, DeviantArt

3. Ein Augur erklärt Numa Pompilius nach dem Orakel des Vogelfluges zum
König, Radierung von Bernhard Rode 1768-69, Wikicommons

4. Saul and the Witch of Endor, William Mount, 1807-1868. Wikicommons.

5. „Classic Romero Zombies‟ Cc Pedro Vezini, Flickr

6. •Not useful for literate
societies
•Tautological
•Not a very good analogy, is
it?
Screencapture, Monty Python & The Holy Grail

7. http://wallpoper.com/wallpaper/pink-floyd-407858

8.  I‟m a one-man band.
 My models need to be simple
 in their aims
 in their outputs

9. http://www.digitalstudies.org/ojs
/index.php/digital_studies/article/
viewArticle/172
…bit of garbage in there.
It‟s actually „2‟.

10. Smaller, more constrained models
have bigger impacts
…at least in the humanities…
Roman Hispania, Road Network - Wikicommons

11. Hodder, Ian. Entangled: An
archaeology of the relationships
between humans and things. Wiley-
Blackwell 2012. Pg 181, Figure 9.2
Entanglements of clay at Catalhoyuk.

13. Difficulty of
teasing out the
key
relationships in
complex
models
Human-thing
Part of a
relationships
modular
infinitely
approach
extensible
ABM need
to be small
for historical
archaeology
One issue, one
resistance
model

14. Shawn Graham,
Carleton University
@electricarchaeo