Spatiotemporal variation of human settlement distribution between the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties in relation to flooding in the lower Yellow River floodplain, East China

•1. Changes in human settlement distribution during the Shang and Western Zhou dynasties were analyzed.•2. Extreme flooding and associated hydrological changes during the late Shang dynasty likely influenced settlement distribution patterns.•3. Ancient inhabitants probably responded to flooding by raising their dwellings.