BIO

Currently a first year in Computer Science here at FSU. I enjoy research that lets me create things and learn from them. In general, I’m interested in learning anything and everything, especially related to coding or the outdoors. I’m not sure what my career goals are yet, but I’ll probably involve coding or writing. I love creative writing and learning how to code video games.

Trade and the Spread of Civilizations

Abstract

There are a limited number of resources in the world, many of which we need to live. Individually, only a few people would be lucky enough to be in a location with enough resources to survive. The majority of the population, however, would be unable to sustain themselves, having access to only a few resources. The only way for these people to survive is to trade with others, exchanging their excess for necessities. Most everyone is willing to trade if they get something they want, but not many will trade for things they don’t need. However, people are willing to give away spare resources to help out if they know that the other will do the same if the situation reverses. These friendships eventually form societies, large networks of individuals collaborating together. Survival is much more likely if one is part of a society than living outside of one. Even still, resource management remains key to survival of not just the individual, but also of the society. Cooperation and coordination is necessary to make sure everyone has access to what they need, and is one of the most influential factors that enabled ancient society to reach where we are today. In this study, effective resource management strategies are gauged and tested by four civilizations in a limited world. We found that civilizations that share their wealth more between members have a higher number of surviving members than those who hoarded resources.

Keywords: simulation model trade civilization coding