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Cited by 7Pleistocene-Era Hominins and ArchaeologyArchaeological and Geological StudiesArchaeological Research and Protection

The DOI matches its DataCite record; 138 of the 139 references it cites were found in a registry or an index, and 1 are not checked yet; none of the 75 sources its claims cite is checked for support yet.

Mobility of Paleolithic Populations: Biomechanical Considerations and Spatiotemporal Modelling

Open access
Vaissié, Erwan·2021·Paleoanthropology
DOI 10.48738/2021.iss1.73
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Abstract

Questions relating to territories and mobility patterns during the Paleolithic are crucial to understanding the social geography of earlier populations. Despite significant progress in the analysis of mobility clues (faunal remains, raw material uses), there have been few advances in their representative models during the last 40 years. Use of GIS and cost distance modelling in this sense has proven to be of great value as they shed light on the impact of the environment on hunter-gatherer mobility patterns. The aim of this study is to present a protocol for cost distance modelling based on the data available from biomechanics on the metabolic cost of mobility and their applicability to the archaeological context. We apply this method to a Mousterian site in the French Massif Central to propose an alternative vision of the techno-economic zonation for lithic raw material acquisition and use. Our results show the impact of walking speed, body mass, terrain, topography, and load on human mobility and allow us to include 3D (highlighting potential paths) and even 4D (suggesting a travel time for covering these paths) models to socio-economic organization of space by human groups. We highlight a completely different perception of time / space relationships within a given territory compared to classical Euclidean representation and establish in a quantified manner the investment (in time and in energy) needed by the group to visit defined points of interest. We discuss the efficiency of GIS cost distance modelling to emphasize socio-economic patterns and choices for past human groups. The usefulness of models in highlighting potential factors behind behavioral variations in the management of space in prehistoric times is also addressed.

Checked 2026-11-10 · 1 reference not checked yet

Overview

AI snapshot

Written from the paper’s full text.

TL;DR

The paper proposes a GIS cost-distance modelling protocol for Paleolithic mobility that incorporates biomechanical estimates of metabolic cost, including body mass, load, terrain, slope, and walking speed. It applies the protocol to the Mousterian site of Baume-Vallée in the French Massif Central to reinterpret techno-economic zoning and raw-material acquisition.

Key findings

  • The protocol shows that walking speed, body mass, terrain, topography, and carried load all affect mobility, allowing 3D potential-path and 4D travel-time models rather than only 2D Euclidean distances.
  • For a male Neanderthal in a cold climate (W=80.2 kg), no load (L=0 kg), grassy terrain (η=1.31), and 5 km/h, the maximum daily walking time is calculated as 7.73 hours/day, rounded to 8 hours/day.
  • Examples of daily travel time on flat grassy terrain at 5 km/h: a female Neanderthal (W=67.3 kg) carrying 5 kg in a cold climate is estimated at 5.37 hours/day; a male Neanderthal (W=75.8 kg) in a temperate climate with the same G, η, V, and L is estimated at 4.58 hours/day.
  • At Baume-Vallée, raw-material deposits illustrate distance/time divergence: material A averages 12 km and 5–6 h walking (40–50% representation), B averages 16 km and 10–11 h (5–10%), C averages 7 km and 7–8 h (1%), and D averages 23 km and 9–10 h (10–20%).

Methods

  • The study builds a cost-distance model using Pandolf et al.’s metabolic-cost equation, with variables for body weight (W), transported load (L), terrain factor (η), walking speed (V), and slope (G); terrain factors follow Soule and Goldman, Pandolf et al., and Richmond et al.
  • It uses two walking speeds, 5 km/h (1.39 m/s) and 7 km/h (1.94 m/s), slope from 90 m DEM classified in 5% increments from 0% to 200%, load classes of 0, 5, and 20 kg, and terrain factors including vegetation (η=1.31 at 5 km/h; η=1.07 at 7 km/h), paths/dirt tracks (η=1.2), and snow/ice penalties.
  • Body mass, basal metabolic rate, and daily energy expenditure values are taken from Churchill (2009) for Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans by climate; the model is applied to the Mousterian site of Baume-Vallée (Haute-Loire, French Massif Central) using lithic raw-material data from Vaissié et al. 2017 and 2021.

Limitations

  • The paper states that Pandolf’s equation does not account for energy differences between uphill and downhill movement and only imperfectly expresses individual physiological variability; the biomechanical repository for prehistoric populations is weak, and the actualism principle does not claim an exact match with past biomechanical realities.
  • It also states that the 90 m DEM resolution reduces local topographic variation and ignores micro-landforms, that paleo-hydrographic networks are poorly known, and that additional carried weight cannot be known accurately.
  • The text makes evident further constraints: models show a theoretical individual rather than groups, travel speeds and distances are maximum values rounded up, routes assume no stops or detours, group speed is adapted to the slowest member, and the protocol “does not claim to accurately reconstruct the travel times within a space.”

Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.

Integrity signals

Registry

DataCite · 10.48738/2021.iss1.73

Cites

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Claims the paper makes

0 of 75 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged

Verify all 3 references — free account
  • Findingown data

    The techno-economic processing and representation in the assemblage of a material cannot be directly dependent on Euclidean distance.

    “In the example shown in Figure 5 (and Table 5), we can clearly see that the techno-economic processing and the representation in the assemblage of a material cannot be directly dependent on a Euclidean distance.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    The heavier the weight carried, the shorter the distance achieved for the same energy expenditure.

    “and the heavier the weight carried, the shorter the distance achieved for the same energy expenditure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    On rough terrain and/or carrying additional load, a speed of 5 km/h is more economical in energy expenditure than 7 km/h.

    “However, on rough terrain and/or carrying additional load, a speed of 5km/h proves to be more economical in terms of energy expenditure.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingreasoning

    On flat terrain and with total weight under 70 kg, a speed of 7 km/h achieves greater distances for the same energy expenditure than a speed of 5 km/h.

    “on flat terrain and with a relatively small total weight (under 70 kilos), a speed of 7km/h means that greater distances can be achieved for the same energy expenditure as a speed of 5km/h.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • Findingown data

    None of the four raw materials in the example could have been collected in a one-day round trip from the site.

    “If we consider, with our model, the four raw materials in this example, none could have been collected in a one-day round trip from the site.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
  • It may state two separate claims as one. 35
  • Probably not a substantial claim. 27

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Material C is about 7 km from the site but has a fairly long access time (between 7 and 8 hours' walking), which is significantly different from the result when using Euclidean distances.

    “the site (about 7km) but have a fairly long access time (between 7 and 8 hours' walking), which is significantly different from the result when using Euclidean distances (semi-local domain in Euclidean distance, distant domain according to our model).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The four raw materials at Baume-Vallée have different average distances and estimated walking times: A 12 km/5-6 h, B 16 km/10-11 h, C 7 km/7-8 h, D 23 km/9-10 h.

    “A 12km 5 to 6 h Semi-local Semi-local to distant 40 to 50% all the chaîne operatoire represented B 16km 10 to 11 h Semi-Local Distant 5 to 10% deficit for the initialization phases C 7km 7 to 8 h Local to semi-local Distant 1% isolated and / or retouched products D 23km 9 to 10 h Semi-local to distant Distant 10 to 20% deficit for the initialization phases”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    Materials B (northeast) and D (southwest), at average distances of 16 km and 23 km respectively, are located in approximately equivalent positions at the edges of the space and can be reached in 10 hours walking from the site.

    “The materials located to the northeast (material B) and the south-west (material D) of the deposit, although they are at very different distances from the site (16km and 23km, respectively, on average), are located in approximately equivalent positions at the edges of the space and can be reached in 10 hours walking from the site.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingreasoning

    For a female Neanderthal (W=67.3 kg) carrying 5 kg in a cold climate, daily travel time on flat grassy terrain (G=0%, η=1.31) at 5 km/h is estimated at 5.37 hours per day; for a male Neanderthal (W=75.8 kg) in a temperate climate under identical G, η, V, L, it is 4.58 hours per day.

    “As an example, the daily travel time on flat grassy terrain (G=0% and η=1.31) at a constant speed (V) of 5km/h for a female Neanderthal (W=67.3kg)carrying an additional load (L) of 5kg in a cold climate is estimated at 5.37 hours per day; for a male Neanderthal (W=75.8kg) in a temperate climate (for identical values of G, η, V and L), it is 4.58 hours per day.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    In the three cost distance models produced for Baume-Vallée, the topography penalty is visible, with shorter maximum distances in directions where topographical variation is greatest, but there is considerable variation in the length of estimated journeys.

    “While the topography penalty for the journey can be seen in all three examples, with shorter maximum distances in the directions where the topographical variation is greatest, we can nevertheless see considerable variation in the length of the estimated journeys.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Findingown data

    The influence of topography is much greater in the model proposed by Liu et al. (2019), where journeys are between 40% and 70% shorter than Barge and Chataigner's (2004) model and 10% to 55% shorter than Sécher's (2017) model.

    “Thus, the influence of topography is much greater in the model proposed by Liu et al. (2019) where journeys are much shorter than those proposed by the other models (between 40% and 70% shorter compared with Barge and Chataigner's (2004) model; 10% to 55% shorter than in Sécher's (2017) model).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Liu et al. (2019) source
    • cites Barge and Chataigner's (2004)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Sécher's (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The Geneste (1985) model is limited because its variability is too great and it lacks a definition of the time required to travel the distances given for economic zoning.

    “At the very least, it is limited, especially when it is skewed because its variability is too great (adapted to suit techno-economic systems) and because of the lack of any definition of the time required to travel the distances given for the economic zoning.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Geneste (1985)

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    The proposed cost distance modelling protocol based on biomechanics data can justify choices of slope classes and associated raster cost values and can consider average daily walking times.

    “This protocol is able to justify the choices made in the classes of slope and the associated raster cost values and to consider average daily walking times.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    There is a consensus for the Geneste (1985) model concerning the Middle Paleolithic, but not for the Upper Paleolithic.

    “Thus, while there is a consensus for the model proposed by Geneste (1985) concerning the Middle Paleolithic, this is not the case for the Upper Paleolithic.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Geneste (1985)

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    There are shortcomings in producing these models for past periods, such as scarcity or absence of primary data on vegetation cover and lack of knowledge of paleo-hydrographic data.

    “Regarding the choice of constraints, there are shortcomings when producing these models for periods in the past, such as the scarcity or absence of primary data on vegetation cover and its nature, or a lack of knowledge of paleo-hydrographic data (presence of natural bridges or fords, variation in river levels, etc.).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    This formula has been used in other studies for similar applications.

    “This formula has been used in other studies (e.g., Alarashi and Chambrade 2010; Tomasso 2014) for similar applications.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Alarashi and Chambrade 2010

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Tomasso 2014 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Barge and Chataigner (2004) obtained their raster cost values using Eastman's equation C = 0.031 p^2 - 0.025 p + 1, where C is the raster cost value for slope p in degrees.

    “Barge and Chataigner (2004) obtained their values using the equation proposed by Eastman (1999: 61) which is expressed as follows: C = 0.031 p 2 -0.025 p + 1 where C is the raster cost value for a slope value p (expressed in degrees).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Barge and Chataigner (2004)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Eastman (1999: 61)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Premisenone given

    Data on snow cover are rare or non-existent in models produced to date.

    “Similarly, data on snow cover are rare or non-existent in models produced to date.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Selected slope classes are usually divided arbitrarily into increments of 5% slope or defined according to geomorphological guidelines.

    “The selected slope classes are usually divided up arbitrarily into increments of 5% of slope (e.g., Sécher 2017) or defined according to geomorphological guidelines (Demek and Embleton 1978;Dramis et al. 2011).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Sécher 2017

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Demek and Embleton 1978
    • cites Dramis et al. 2011 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    In Western Europe, the model usually selected and still used for the Mousterian in Perigord is Geneste's (1985) concentric zoning: local space within 5 km, intermediate space between 5 and 20 km, and distant space beyond 20 km.

    “In Western Europe, the model usually selected and still used today is that proposed by Geneste (1985) for the Mousterian in Perigord:”
    • Also stated in: § INTRODUCTION · plain
      “• local space within a radius of 5km around the site (distance grouping together points accessible within half a day's walk, there and back); • intermediate space between 5km and 20km from the site; and, • distant space further than 20km.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Geneste (1985)

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisereasoning

    These route models are based mainly on the impact of physical constraints, especially topography, on movement.

    “They are the result of spatial analysis by least-cost path modelling or isochronous curve modelling and are based mainly on the impact of physical constraints (topography) on movement (Figure 1; Supplementary Information 1).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Associated raster cost values vary according to different authors; Sécher (2017) and Liu et al. (2019) define raster cost values arbitrarily.

    “The associated raster cost values vary according to the different authors (Table 1): Sécher (2017) and Liu et al. (2019) define raster cost values arbitrarily.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Sécher (2017)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Liu et al. (2019) source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    Studies exploring the modelling of potential routes between prehistoric sites and/or raw material outcrops have emerged in recent years.

    “In prehistoric archaeology, studies exploring the modelling of potential routes between prehistoric sites and/or raw materials outcrops have emerged in recent years (Adriaensen et al. 2003;Barge and Chataigner 2004;Browne and Wilson 2013;Gustas and Supernant 2017;Hageman and Bennet 2000;Herzog 2014;Liu et al. 2019;Rogers et al. 2014;Sécher 2017;Taliaferro et al. 2010).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Adriaensen et al. 2003

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Barge and Chataigner 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Browne and Wilson 2013 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This approach allows for a more precise resolution of the socio-economic organization of human groups and a more detailed vision of the everyday life of past populations by quantifying the investment in time and energy needed to visit defined points of interest.

    “This approach allows for a more precise resolution of the socio-economic organization of human groups, and a more detailed vision of the everyday life of past populations by establishing in a quantified manner the investment (in time and in energy) needed by the group to visit defined points of interest.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationnone given

    The protocol offers the possibility of creating reasoned and reproducible comparison models, as close as possible to the socio-economic reality of human groups, to compare them as objectively as possible.

    “The protocol we propose here offers the possibility of creating reasoned and reproducible comparison models, as close as possible to the socio-economic reality of human groups, so as to compare them as objectively as possible in a wide range of chronological, physical, and anthropological contexts.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Material B is used relatively little, which seems to place it away from the main circulation routes.

    “Despite its proximity to this apparently heavily visited area, material B is used relatively little, which seems to place it away from the main circulation routes.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The speed of 5 km/h is the default speed and the most profitable in terms of distance travelled / energy expended.

    “Based on these data, we selected the speed of 5km/h as the default speed and the most profitable in terms of distance travelled / energy expended.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    Material D, despite being a significant distance/time from the site, is used regularly and fairly intensively, which testifies to the regular use of the spaces in the south-west of the site.

    “Material D, despite being a significant distance / time from the site, is nevertheless used regularly and fairly intensively, which testifies to the regular use of the spaces in the south-west of the site.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The protocol fills the gap between techno-economic data and interpretations of mobility, and using it will promote a better discussion of mobility patterns and highlight the real factors of behavioral variations in the management of space in prehistoric times.

    “Because it fills the gap between techno-economic data and interpretations of mobility, we believe that using this protocol will promote a better discussion of mobility patterns of human groups in the past and highlight the real factors of behavioral variations in the management of space in prehistoric times.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    The usual simplified presentation of techno-economic zoning with concentric circles expressed in km cannot take into account the influence of topography and establishes the time devoted to a day's walk in a fairly arbitrary fashion.

    “It is usually presented in a simplified form (although the shortcomings of this representation are clearly indicated by the authors) with concentric circles (expressed in km) that are not able to take into account the influence of the topography and establish the time devoted to a day's walk in a fairly arbitrary fashion (duration of 7 to 8 hours of walking is typically used).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The proposed tool can create a 3D model highlighting potential paths and even a 4D model suggesting travel time for covering these paths.

    “The tool that we propose is therefore no longer limited to a 2D model of litho-space but can create a 3D model (highlighting potential paths) and even 4D (suggesting a travel time for covering these paths).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisenone given

    Tomasso's formula for a quantified definition of a 'day's walk' has limitations in the choice of the constraint calculation C and in the typical day's walk (35 km).

    “Although this formula provides the time required to visit different points in space, it has limitations in the choice of the constraint calculation C (the same formula as Barge and Chataigner 2004; C=0.031 p 2 -0.025 p + 1; see above) and in the typical day's walk (35km).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Tomasso (2014) source
    • cites Barge and Chataigner 2004

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationcitation

    The model provides clues to discuss direct and indirect procurement and can highlight probable social networks structured between territories.

    “It provides clues to discuss direct and indirect procurement, and can highlight probable social networks structured between territories (Vaissié et al. 2021).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Vaissié et al. 2021

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    There is little difference in gait efficiency between the sexes; the choice of a female individual is based solely on lower mass.

    “The choice of a female individual here is arbitrary, as the difference is based solely on the lower mass, with little difference in gait efficiency between the sexes (e.g., Nigg et al. 1994).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked
    • cites Nigg et al. 1994 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Taking into account the speed variable, a theoretical maximum cost distance is obtained: the maximum distance that can be reached without constraints due to slope in a certain amount of time.

    “Taking into account the speed variable as an indicator, we obtain a theoretical maximum cost distance, i.e., the maximum distance that can be reached without constraints due to the slope in a certain amount of time (e.g., one hour).”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The approach provides the opportunity to highlight the real techno-economic divergences between different human groups, cultures, chronologies, and environments.

    “This approach also provides the opportunity to highlight the real techno-economic divergences between different human groups, cultures, chronologies, and environments.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The classical site-centered concentric circles representation is inaccurate and does not provide tools to realistically discuss land use investment and correlated mobility reconstruction.

    “Even considering an excessively high value for the daily walking time, this example points out how inaccurate the classical site-centered concentric circles representation is.These arbitrary circles (sensu Geneste) do not provide tools, in a sufficiently realistic way, which would allow us to discuss land use investment and correlated mobility reconstruction.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    A large majority of animal species travel on a daily, weekly, or seasonal basis to meet daily needs, whether to reach new resource-rich areas or pursue prey.

    “A large majority of animal species travel (on a daily, weekly, or seasonal basis) in order to meet their daily needs (Alexander 1996(Alexander , 2003;;Tucker 1970), whether to reach new areas rich in resources (majority of herbivores) or to pursue prey (majority of carnivores).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Alexander 1996

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Tucker 1970 source

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    The amount of energy expended in searching for resources is usually less than the contribution gained by consuming the resource, so the daily energy ratio remains positive.

    “The amount of energy expended in the search for these resources is usually less than the contribution gained by consuming the resource (Alexander 1989;Emken et al. 2007) so that the daily energy ratio remains positive”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Alexander 1989 source
    • cites Emken et al. 2007 source

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    This allows study of the implementation of logistic mobility with planned expeditions within regional space, as well as highlighting probable social networks structured between territories on a larger scale.

    “This allows us to study the implementation of logistic mobility with planned expeditions within regional space, as well as highlighting probable social networks structured between territories on a larger scale.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationnone given

    While the quantity and weight of lithic and/or animal resources in deposits can be estimated, it is risky to deduce the load carried directly by an individual from archaeological deposits.

    “While we are able to estimate the quantity and therefore the weight of lithic and/or animal resources present in the deposits, it is risky, however, to deduce the load carried directly by an individual from archaeological deposits.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Interpretationreasoning

    Once the value of cost C is obtained, the impact of topography on the distance travelled can be shown.

    “Once the value of cost C is obtained, we are able to show the impact of topography on the distance travelled.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The low representation of material C could be explained in part by the small area covered by the deposits and in part by the time investment required to collect it being too great relative to other points of interest.

    “Lastly, the low representation of material C could be explained in part by the small area covered by the deposits (which in addition has no other resources nearby) and in part by the fact that the time investment required to collect it would be too great in relation to the other points of interest available to prehistoric populations in this”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Interpretationown data

    This first observation agrees with the cost modelling and shows the importance of energy cost compared to Euclidean distance regarding preferential use of a main raw material.

    “This first observation agrees with our cost modelling and shows the importance of the energy cost compared to the Euclidean distance, regarding preferential use of a main raw material.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    Walking speed V can easily be estimated from studies on locomotion, and the average speed most often used is that obtained from Tobler's hiking function.

    “walking speed V can easily be estimated from the many studies on locomotion (Alexander 1989(Alexander , 2003;;Bertram 2015;Halsey and White 2012;Tucker 1970) and the average speed most often used is that obtained from Tobler's hiking function (Tobler 1993):”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Alexander 1989 source
    • cites Bertram 2015 source
    • cites Tobler 1993

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisenone given

    There are no precise quantifiable data for the Paleolithic regarding the weight carried by groups as they travelled.

    “We have no precise quantifiable data for the Paleolithic regarding the weight carried by groups as they travelled.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Interpretationreasoning

    The tool has proved to be flexible and applicable to different types of archaeological context.

    “This tool has proved to be flexible and applicable to different types of archaeological context.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

    Premisecitation

    The techno-economic zoning of territories based on prehistoric sites has been proposed on numerous occasions and for a variety of contexts.

    “This techno-economic zoning of territories (see above) based on prehistoric sites has been proposed on numerous occasions and for a variety of contexts (Binder 2016;Dubreuil 1995;Geneste 1985Geneste , 1992;;Jaubert and Barbaza 2005;Tomasso 2018;Turq et al. 2017).”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 3 sources checked
    • cites Binder 2016

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Dubreuil 1995

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

    • cites Geneste 1985

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    Travel speeds and distances should be considered as maximum values rounded up; the journey is considered to consist of the shortest possible route, with no stops or detours associated with any activity along the way.

    “In the same way, travel speeds and distances should be considered as maximum values rounded up-the journey is considered to consist of the shortest possible route, with no stops or detours associated with any activity along the way.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The protocol described here does not claim to accurately reconstruct travel times within a space, but offers a new angle from which to consider human mobility.

    “Obviously, the protocol described here does not claim to accurately reconstruct the travel times within a space, but rather it offers a new angle from which to consider our perception of human mobility.”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Premisecitation

    A male Neanderthal in a cold climate shows the biggest daily energy expenditure, so the part of daily energy expenditure allocated to displacement can be the largest.

    “And we choose a male Neanderthal in a cold climate because, based on the data provided by Churchill (2006Churchill ( , 2009)), this case shows the biggest daily energy expenditure.This means that it is the case where the part of the daily energy expenditure allocated to the displacement can be the largest.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Churchill (2006) source
    • cites Churchill (2009)

      Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductreasoning

    The daily walking time calculated in the maximum conditions is to be considered as a maximum and should not be taken with the examples proposed above which are intended to represent reality more faithfully.

    “The daily walking time calculated in these conditions is to be considered as a maximum and should not be taken with the examples proposed above which are intended to represent reality more faithfully.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The biomechanical repository for prehistoric populations is weak.

    “The weakness of the biomechanical repository for prehistoric populations is a shortcoming that has to be borne in mind-the abilities of individuals are necessarily different compared to our current repository.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The influence of additional weight carried cannot be known with any accuracy and varies according to the individual and the route.

    “The influence of additional weight carried (L) cannot be known with any accuracy and varies according to the individual and the route.”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • It may state two separate claims as one.

    Study design and conductnone given

    The 90 m resolution scale selected for the Digital Elevation Models reduces local variations in topography and ignores micro-landforms that may affect journeys.

    “The resolution scale selected for the Digital Elevation Models (90m) reduces local variations in the topography and as a result any micro-landforms that may affect journeys are ignored (narrow valleys, rocky outcrops, etc.);”
    Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim

  • Probably not a substantial claim.

    Premisecitation

    The travel speed of the group is adapted to the speed of its slowest member.

    “We decided to use the ethnographic assumption (Barnard and Wendrich 2008;Johnson 1969) according to which the travel speed of the group is adapted to the speed of its slowest member”
    Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked
    • cites Barnard and Wendrich 2008
    • cites Johnson 1969
51 of 51

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The local area corresponds to the foraging radius, i.e., the area covered during the daily round-trip movement.

    “The local area is assumed to correspond to the foraging radius, i.e., the area covered during the daily round-trip movement.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Crossing points exist on a regular basis even over large waterways.

    “The assumption was that crossing points exist on a regular basis even over large waterways”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The travel speed of the group is adapted to the speed of its slowest member.

    “We decided to use the ethnographic assumption (Barnard and Wendrich 2008;Johnson 1969) according to which the travel speed of the group is adapted to the speed of its slowest member”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    Travel speeds and distances should be considered as maximum values rounded up; the journey consists of the shortest possible route, with no stops or detours associated with any activity along the way.

    “In the same way, travel speeds and distances should be considered as maximum values rounded up-the journey is considered to consist of the shortest possible route, with no stops or detours associated with any activity along the way.”

  • The authors state this as an assumption.

    The morphological and physiological proximity of Neanderthal populations and AMHs allows application of the paleontological principle of actualism to model prehistoric biomechanics.

    “We decided to apply the paleontological principle of actualism that, despite the morphological and physiological proximity of Neanderthal populations and AMHs when compared with contemporary individuals, does not claim to establish an exact match with bio-mechanical realities in the past”
5 of 5

Citations

Cites

Flagged first, then by citations

Research works printed but not linked: 51

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  3. Billat, V. 2001. L'apport de la science dans l'entraînement utilisés pour la parure néolithique: l'exemple du site de Mureybet. In Regards Croisés sur l'étude Archéologique Des Paysages Anciens. Nouvelles Recherches Dans Le Bassin Méditerranéen, En Asie Centrale et Au Proche et Au Moyen-Orient, Pouilloux, J. (ed.). Travaux de La Maison de l'Orient et de La Méditerranée. Maison de l'Orient et de la Méditerranée, Lyon, pp. 95-106.
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  6. Aubry, T., Walter, B. 2003. Reconstitution des modalités d'approvisionnement et de diffusion des matières pre- mières lithiques pendant le Paléolithique supérieur -l'apport du site solutréen et badegoulien des Mai- treaux (Indre-et-Loire, France). In Les Matières Premières Lithiques en Préhistoire, Surmely, F. (ed.). Presented at the Table ronde d'Aurillac, 20-22 juin 2002. Association de préhistoire du Sud-Ouest, Cressensac, pp. 41-51.
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Metadata

Authors
Vaissié, E.
Affiliations
De la Préhistoire à l'Actuel : Culture, Environnement et Anthropologie (FR)
Corresponding author
Vaissié, Erwan
Venue
Paleoanthropology
Publisher
PaleoAnthropology
Published
2021-11-05
Volume
73
Issue
1
ISSN
1545-0031 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.48738/2021.iss1.73
OpenAlex
W3208061651
Cited by
7
References
138
Citations by year
2025: 3 · 2024: 1 · 2022: 3
FWCI
1.98
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
cc-by-nc
Locations
  • PaleoAnthropology (publishedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • HAL (submittedVersion, cc-by-nc)
  • DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion, cc-by-sa)
  • Paleoanthropology Journal
Funders
Université de Bordeaux
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Anthropology › Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology
  • Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Archeology (arts and humanities) › Archaeological and Geological Studies
  • Social Sciences › Archeology › Archaeological Research and Protection
Keywords
hunter-gatherer mobility, energy cost of walking, Mousterian, walking speed, body mass, load, travel time, social geography, Massif Central

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Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.

A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-10, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).

A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-10 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).

Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.

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