Date of Award
2007
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Program
Anthropology
Supervisor
Dr. J.E. Molto
Second Advisor
Dr. Alain Gagnon
Third Advisor
Dr. Andrew Nelson
Abstract
This thesis addressed the issue of paleodemographic life tables being a record of fertility more than mortality. I have shown that the assumption of stationarity, which is typical in paleodemography, is not valid in a sample population from Roman period Kellis 2, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt. This sample was tested for representativeness, and was used to model the effects of non-stationarity on fertility. Model tables were used to analyze representativeness, and the nearby Kharga Oasis provided a starting annual growth rate of 1.48%. Isotopic data on weaning age were used to model further fertility parameters. These data showed that Kellis 2 is a representative sample, and that life tables do provide more fertility data than mortality by modeling growth rates, fertility rates, and mean completed family size from empirical data. By showing how Kellis 2 can be considered a stable population with moderate growth over time, I hope this thesis provides a model for future paleodemographic research.
Recommended Citation
Sharman, Jennifer, "Modeling Fertility and Demography in a Roman Period Population Sample from Kellis 2, Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt" (2007). Digitized Theses. 4943.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4943