Nunn, Patrick

Hunter-Anderson, Rosalind

Carson, Michael T

Thomas, Frank

Ulm, Sean

Rowland, Michael J

2007

During the last millennium in the Pacific Basin (islands and continental rim) there was a marked contrast between 'times of plenty' and 'times of less' for its human societies. This contrast is attributable to climate and sea-level variations, notably the Medieval Warm Period (a.d. 700–1250) and the Little Ice Age (a.d. 1350–1800) separated by a time of rapid cooling and sea-level fall called the 'a.d. 1300 Event.' Outlines of the times of plenty during the Medieval Warm Period and the times of less during the Little Ice Age are given, supported by a number of examples. These confirm a general picture of societal collapse as a result of the a.d. 1300 Event. Well-dated human responses to the a.d. 1300 Event (establishment of fortified settlements, end of ocean voyaging) allow links to potential nonhuman causes to be strengthened. Although more data referring to both (natural) changes and their human effects are needed, a conclusion involving environmental determinism is inescapable.

Human Ecology, 35(4), p. 385-401

1572-9915

0300-7839

https://hdl.handle.net/1959.11/8061

Springer New York LLC

Times of Plenty, Times of Less: Last-Millennium Societal Disruption in the Pacific Basin

Journal Article

Publication