Exploring the interplay of environment and mobility in Pleistocene hunter-gatherers: a case-study from southern Ethiopia during MIS 3

When it comes to hunter-gatherers, the pivotal role played by the environment in shaping their lives and mobility strategies is widely acknowledged. This has sometimes been interpreted as passivity toward nature; however, we know that foragers engaged with and interacted with their environment, maintaining a deep connection between culture and space. Understanding this connection is crucial for a better interpretation of the archaeological record. This relationship can be translated into spatial and environmental legibility. In our case study, we analyzed the location of known sites in southern Ethiopia during MIS 3. We built a paleo-hydrological model to examine the role of water as both a material resource and a cultural factor, which has undoubtedly influenced the mobility of past human communities. We tested whether watersheds in this area could have influenced the spatial organization of Pleistocene foragers. We found that some sites appear to respond to visual prominence (high-elevation rock shelters), while others prioritize proximity to water resources. The paucity of archaeological data in this area and for this period suggests caution when discussing the results. Nevertheless, these findings can also serve as a predictive model and provide insights for future research.