Prehistoric Cart Rut Networks of the Maltese Archipelago: A Rigorous Multivariate Lévy/Power-Law Analysis with Paleogeographic, Environmental, and Ritual Variables

A rigorous analysis of prehistoric cart rut networks in the Maltese Archipelago reveals a non-random, Lévy-stable topology that defies Gaussian null models (p < 10⁻¹⁰⁰). This finding suggests that ancient movement patterns were influenced by environmental and ritualistic factors rather than randomness. The study incorporated six control variables—terrain, coastal exposure, proximity to megalithic temples and ritual caves, Holocene forest cover, and paleo-sea-level status—to test three network configurations: Malta alone, modern Malta+Gozo, and a reconstructed unified Early Holocene island. All configurations confirmed heavy-tailed movement patterns, indicating structured connectivity that aligns with paleogeographic and ritualistic variables.

Edgar, M. E. (2026). Prehistoric Cart Rut Networks of the Maltese Archipelago: A Rigorous Multivariate Lévy/Power-Law Analysis with Paleogeographic, Environmental, and Ritual Variables. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.19183984