BigLeak - Archaeology

Researchers propose a universal cognitive compression protocol that explains the structural similarities of symbolic systems across deep time, independent of diffusion. This protocol is defined by five functional slots: Origin [σ], Relation [κ], Individuation [π], Time [τ], and Transition [γ]. The study tests this hypothesis with four hard axioms, including Shannon-entropy constraints and minimum size requirements, using the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum in Malta as a primary test case due to its taphonomic stability (Factor of Safety ≈183.6). The findings demonstrate that 15 deep-time clusters spanning 4 continents pass the protocol's criteria, while a contrast sample fails, validating the approach. This work challenges traditional diffusion-based explanations for symbolic similarities and introduces a landslide-safe preregistration to ensure reproducibility.

Engelhardt, H. P. J. (2026). BigLeak - Archaeology. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.22961014