The Disposition of Jomon Ruins

Abstract

The theory, which the Jomon culture with high population density prospered in the deciduous forest zone in the north east of Japanese chain of islands, has been widely accepted. However, many Jomon ruins have found in such ever green forest zones as Kanto, Tokai and Kyushu. We have assumed a hypothesis that Jomon ruins have tendency to locate on heights covered with black soils (volcanic ash combined with decayed plants) without depending on deference of forest zones. The ruins data base of Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties were referred and the acquired data were collated with GIS maps of soils and land forms. We have found that our hypothesis is well proved. It is also observed that shell mounds contribute to the settlements of Jomon societies.