This study investigates how frequent disturbances have enhanced the resilience of past human populations over 30,000 years. Using a global comparative approach, the researchers analyzed prehistoric population data to understand how populations responded to disturbances. They found that frequent disturbances increased a population's ability to resist and recover from later downturns. Land-use patterns played a key role in this resilience: farming and herding societies were more vulnerable but also more resilient overall. The study highlights the trade-offs involved in adopting new land-use strategies. The research used radiocarbon time-frequency data to measure population resilience, focusing on how quickly populations recovered after downturns and their ability to withstand disturbances. The findings suggest that the frequency of downturns is a key factor in population resilience, with agricultural and agropastoral societies experiencing more frequent downturns. However, these societies also showed higher resilience due to repeated exposure to disturbances. The study also found that the duration and pace of downturns varied across regions, with some areas showing higher resilience despite lower frequency of disturbances. The results indicate that populations generally increased their resilience over time, but this was often accompanied by more frequent downturns, which may have been linked to the historical shift towards food-producing subsistence systems. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding past population responses to disturbances for developing strategies to address future crises. It highlights the need for a global perspective in understanding resilience, as well as the role of land-use patterns and environmental factors in shaping population dynamics. The findings suggest that while frequent disturbances can enhance resilience, they also pose risks, and a balance is needed between vulnerability and adaptive capacity. The study provides insights into the complex interactions between human societies and their environments, offering valuable lessons for future resilience strategies.This study investigates how frequent disturbances have enhanced the resilience of past human populations over 30,000 years. Using a global comparative approach, the researchers analyzed prehistoric population data to understand how populations responded to disturbances. They found that frequent disturbances increased a population's ability to resist and recover from later downturns. Land-use patterns played a key role in this resilience: farming and herding societies were more vulnerable but also more resilient overall. The study highlights the trade-offs involved in adopting new land-use strategies. The research used radiocarbon time-frequency data to measure population resilience, focusing on how quickly populations recovered after downturns and their ability to withstand disturbances. The findings suggest that the frequency of downturns is a key factor in population resilience, with agricultural and agropastoral societies experiencing more frequent downturns. However, these societies also showed higher resilience due to repeated exposure to disturbances. The study also found that the duration and pace of downturns varied across regions, with some areas showing higher resilience despite lower frequency of disturbances. The results indicate that populations generally increased their resilience over time, but this was often accompanied by more frequent downturns, which may have been linked to the historical shift towards food-producing subsistence systems. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding past population responses to disturbances for developing strategies to address future crises. It highlights the need for a global perspective in understanding resilience, as well as the role of land-use patterns and environmental factors in shaping population dynamics. The findings suggest that while frequent disturbances can enhance resilience, they also pose risks, and a balance is needed between vulnerability and adaptive capacity. The study provides insights into the complex interactions between human societies and their environments, offering valuable lessons for future resilience strategies.