Neolithic Explanations Revisited: Modelling the Arrival and Spread of Domesticated Cattle into Neolithic Britain

Abstract

Set against the new chronological framework for the introduction and spread of the Neolithic into Britain this paper considers the logistics of introducing domestic cattle from continental Europe. Cattle were the most extensively utilised domestic animal at the start of the Neolithic and understanding the processes behind their introduction is critical for exploring early Neolithic farming systems. We begin by exploring the realities of creating a viable new animal population and then moving that population to Britain across the water from Continental Europe. Using a series of simulated models we demonstrate that only a very small number of cattle need to have been introduced into Britain in order to enable the uptake and spread of domestic cattle across the whole island. This, in turn, may effect how we consider the mechanisms involved in the adoption of the Neolithic, and can better inform our understanding of the kinds of processes involved in the transition to the Neolithic.