Mediterranean and northern european archaeology: a computational comparison

Abstract

Despite the proliferation of computational tools in archaeology, few studies systematically compare their regional adaptations or explore the epistemological assumptions guiding their application. This paper addresses four critical research gaps: (i) the lack of comparative regional analysis between the Mediterranean and Northern Europe in computational archaeology, (ii) the insufficient integration of philosophical and epistemological frameworks in predictive modeling, (iii) the underexplored application of artificial intelligence (AI) and network theory in spatial analysis, and (iv) the limited interdisciplinary synthesis of biological, geospatial, and digital data. By examining representative case studies from both regions, we highlight the methodological innovations, theoretical orientations, and institutional dynamics that shape regional practices. The study underscores the necessity of integrating computational methods with interpretive depth and interdisciplinary collaboration to foster a more reflective and inclusive digital archaeology.