Early Human Settlement in Bornean Forests Occurred Under Distinct Environmental Conditions

Abstract

Humans have inhabited Bornean tropical forests for at least 45,000 years, yet the impact of that long‐term presence is poorly understood. Borneo's extensive archaeological record and high biodiversity offer a unique laboratory to examine patterns of site selection and the effects of human activity on tropical forest ecosystems. This paper establishes a synthetic literature‐based data set of 73 archaeological sites, 47 with radiocarbon or radiometric records dating during the last 6 ka BP. Palaeoclimate, current climate, soil, and terrain variables of these 47 sites are compared against a set of simulated random locations across Borneo. We also consider spatial proximity as a factor influencing human settlement, clustering sites based on location and examining the timing and duration of habitation of sites within the clusters. Finally, we compare the 47 site records against the HYDE‐3.2 land‐use model to assess correspondence. Our results suggest that during the last 6000 years BP, Bornean human settlements tended to be located in the forests at lower elevations, near coasts and river networks, in higher temperatures and lower precipitation. Comparative sedimentary analysis also suggests preferential use of locations exhibiting lower clay and higher sand content. This combination of conditions likely improved food production and resource supply. Our study highlights the value of integrating archaeological data with global historical land‐use and climate models to uncover long‐term human–environment interactions. By establishing a cross‐site environmental baseline, these findings provide insights into past human settlement patterns and likely human legacies in Borneo's tropical forests.