Austvoll/Seaways to Complexity, 6. Regional and Chronological Variation

Based on the investigation and analysis of the archaeological data in Chapter 3 to 5, some preliminary estimates are presented in Chapter 6 of regional and chronological variation along the coast of northwestern Scandinavia. Based on the variations seen it is possible to distinguished between 16 sub-regions in northwestern Scandinavia – each exercising varied forms of sociopolitical strategies based on local comparative advantages. In order to delve deeper into the complex interactions presented it is necessary to identify each region’s comparative advantage and the linkage between such advantages with sociopolitical strategies. This is demonstrated through a selection of three case studies, each exemplifying various strategies of sociopolitical organisation through time. The cases are divided into four sections: (1) a general introduction of the regions, including topography and vegetation, (2) palaeobotanical data, (3) outfields, and (4) infields and organisation. In the end the chapter outlines three distinct strategies that are exercised based on a combination of local comparative advantages.