The Division and Spatial-temporal Evolution of Prehistoric Settlement Clusters in  Songshan Mountain Region

Abstract Settlements, as the core carriers of human activities, the study of their clustering patterns is crucial for uncovering ancient social organizational structures. This research establishes a systematic methodology for delineating early settlement groups. Initially, the nearest neighbor distance analysis was utilized to evaluate settlement agglomeration, followed by kernel density analysis to quantify spatial clustering characteristics. By incorporating natural barriers such as terrain and water systems, the cost distance between settlements was calculated, thereby enabling the precise demarcation of settlement groups. Applying this approach to the settlement groups in Songshan Mountain region, the evolutionary characteristics and influencing factors were comprehensively analyzed. These findings not only deepen our understanding of the early human-land relationship in Songshan Mountain region but also offer critical insights into the origins of civilization and the process of societal complexity in this area.