Archaeobotanical analysis on macro remains of the 5th mil. BC in Central Europe
Tanja Zerl, Astrid Röpke
In the course of the 5th mil. BC distinct changes in crop cultivation become apparent. Next to hulled wheats (Emmer and Einkorn), middle Neolithic farmers cultivated naked barley and naked wheat. Among the naked wheats, both the hexaploid bread wheat (Triticum aestivum) and – in western Central Europe – the tetraploid hard or rivet wheat (Triticum durum/turgidum) are documented from the 46th cent. BC onwards (Fig. 1).; the latter originated in the Mediterranean area and – in the following 4th mil. BC – was grown in the Circum-Alpine region.
The introduction of new cereals implies i.a. a saving of labour concerning crop processing as wall as more flexibility in agriculture (e.g. winter cereals/summer cereals). Despite these innovations the weed flora does not reflect clear evidence for a change of cultivation conditions and harvesting methods compared to the preceding early Neolithic period.
Crucial questions of our project are, among others, when and how these innovations in crop cultivation became established in the course of the 5th mil. BC. Did this process take place simultaneously in all areas and what are the characteristics? Was tetraploide naked wheat also introduced to other regions than Western Central Europe? Can a closer look at the weed spectrum as well as isotope analyses of cereals reveal indications of a change in cultivation conditions?
Moreover, through close interlocking with the disciplines anchored in the project, further aspects will be clarified, as potential relationships between environmental conditions and agricultural techniques/cultivated crops, animal husbandry, climatic conditions and type of soil used for cultivation.
In order to answer these questions representatively, archaeobotanical remains from different regions in Central Europe will be analysed (fig. 2): in the 1st project phase data from sites in the Rhineland, Westphalia and Main Franconia will be collected and investigated. In the 2nd project phase data from the Wetterau/Hesse will be analysed.