AncientS-ABM: A Novel Tool for Simulating Ancient Societies

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate a tool that can be employed to build agent-based models (ABMs) for use in social archaeology. Specifically, our tool is based on the NetLogo modeling environment, and enables the creation of agent-based models of ancient societies, based on archaeological input. The models created by our tool can be used to obtain a better understanding of ancient societies, and assist archaeologists in testing the validity of existing or novel hypotheses and theories. We note that apart from assisting archaeologists in their work, the demonstrated tool can serve educational or recreational purposes as well: the ABMs created with the tool can, for instance, constitute the “backbone” of interactive platforms for use in schools or museums; and can conceivably be employed in history-focused digital strategic game environments.