Kent Flannery
Kent Vaughn Flannery (born 1934) is a distinguished American archaeologist renowned for his extensive research into pre-Columbian cultures and civilizations. His career has significantly contributed to the field of archaeology, particularly through his work on cultural evolution and early human settlements.
The Broad Spectrum Revolution
One of Flannery's most influential contributions is the Broad Spectrum Revolution hypothesis, which he proposed in a 1968 paper. This hypothesis suggests a shift in human subsistence strategies during the Late Pleistocene, characterized by a diversification of the diet to include a wider variety of plant and animal resources. The broad spectrum revolution is considered a precursor to the Neolithic Revolution, as it laid the groundwork for the domestication of plants and animals. This theory has been linked to various cultures, such as the Zarzian culture and the Kelteminar culture, which are believed to have participated in early stages of this dietary expansion.
Archaeological Excavations
Flannery's work on early human settlements is exemplified by his excavations in the Zagros Mountains of Iran, notably at sites like Ali Kosh, which he excavated alongside Frank Hole in the 1960s. These excavations have provided insights into early village sequences and the progression of agricultural practices in the region.
In Mesoamerica, Flannery's research at San José Mogote in Oaxaca has been pivotal. Collaborating with Joyce Marcus, his investigations over two decades revealed the development of early complex societies in the region. Additionally, his work at Monte Albán has helped elucidate the rise of one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica.
Contributions to Archaeological Theory
Flannery's theoretical contributions have also influenced the development of processual archaeology. Alongside figures like Lewis Binford, he championed a movement in the 1960s and 1970s that challenged traditional cultural-history approaches, advocating for a more scientific, hypothesis-driven methodology.
His work has impacted demographic theories related to the Neolithic Revolution, with an emphasis on the increasing sedentism of human populations and the subsequent expansion up to environmental carrying capacities. This approach has provided a framework for understanding the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.