Bayesian modelling of the latent human influence field in archaeological urban sediments at Koh Ker, Cambodia

A novel Bayesian modeling framework reveals the latent human influence field (LHIF) in archaeological sediments, offering a continuous, multidimensional view of ancient urban dynamics at Koh Ker, Cambodia. This approach integrates heterogeneous proxy data—such as magnetic susceptibility and ceramic abundance—from rapidly excavated trenches to estimate the intensity and spatiotemporal distribution of past human activity. Unlike traditional methods that rely on either limited excavation or broad but chronologically shallow surveys, this model synthesizes diverse data channels into a unified causal framework, bridging gaps between lidar mapping, survey, and excavation. The pilot study demonstrates potential for broader application across archaeological contexts, enabling more coherent reconstructions of ancient urban landscapes.

Carleton, W. C., Tho, T., Brotherson, D., Phin, S., Groucutt, H., Renn, J., & Roberts, P. (2026). Bayesian modelling of the latent human influence field in archaeological urban sediments at Koh Ker, Cambodia. Journal of Archaeological Science, 193, 106663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jas.2026.106663