The effect of climatic variability on population dynamics of the Cucuteni-Tripolye cultural complex and the rise of the Western Tripolye giant-settlements

This paper presents the results of a multi-scalar analysis of 1800 years of Cucuteni-Tripolye population dynamics, with particular emphasis on the rapid Western Tripolye migrations beginning c. 4150 B.C.E. that led to the development of the giant-settlement phenomenon in Central Ukraine. In addition to macro-scale population modeling, statistical analysis is performed to demonstrate a significant correlation between giant-settlement formation in the Southern Bug-Dnieper interfluve and proxies for a concurrent period of sudden, global climate change. Through the use of high-resolution climate data, this research compliments and expands upon existing theories of climate effects on Cucuteni-Tripolye population dynamics and settlement agglomeration.