Modelling Human–Environment Relationships in Early Historic Wari-Bateshwar

A GIS and Regression-based Approach

Abstract

This study examines human–environment interaction in the Early Historic archaeological landscape of Wari-Bateshwar, Bangladesh, using spatial-statistical modelling based on 10,000-pixel averaged data. Situated on a stable Pleistocene upland within dynamic Holocene floodplains, the region provides an ideal setting to investigate environmental influences on settlement distribution. Six environmental variables – DEM, HND, MWE, DD, PD, and TWI were analyzed against archaeological settlement density. Results indicate strong positive correlations with DEM (R = 0.866) and HND (R = 0.658), while TWI (R = -0.834), PD (R = -0.776), and MWE (R = -0.710) show negative relationships. Polynomial models further reveal complex nonlinear hydrological influences, suggesting that ancient settlements preferentially occupied elevated, well-drained, and environmentally stable zones.