The Formation of Hierarchy: Explanation of the Primate Rank-Size Settlements Distribution in Prehistory

This paper deals with the formation of the hierarchic settlement systems. The proposed model shows the links between rank-size distribution empirical law and the Xtent model of C. Renfrew and E. Level. The rise of the settlement hierarchies characterized by the primate rank-size distribution could be explained with the increased importance of a single variable, reflecting the political influence of the new centers. Population values increase at least ten times compared to the number of settlements’ inhabitants before the formation of the spatial hierarchy. This model could be applied to corrections of population estimates in archaeology.