Seeds can speak: functional roles of structures from Early Bronze Age Ib through archaeobotanical investigation at Arslantepe (Turkey)

Abstract

This thesis illustrates the results of the archaeobotanical study carried out at the long-lived site of Arslantepe (Malatya), Turkey. The study focusses on 131 carpological samples from the village of the Early Bronze Age (VIB2 period, 3100-2900 cal. BCE) destroyed by a fire. The aim of this study was to shed light on the functional roles of structures from Early Bronze Age Ib using plant remains. 63,941 seeds/fruits, including the estimated ones, have been analyzed. This study has identified 15 taxa belonging to 7 plant families. Cultivated species were found together with wild plants and non-economic weeds. The distribution of plant remains in the rooms allows to find out that Building IX inhabitants were mainly specialized in cereal production. This building has been used for crop processing, storing and food consumption. While Building VIII was not a place where crop processing had been practiced. As regards an isolated room A472, inhabitants of this room cultivated not only cereals but also legumes. Based on results, agriculture at Arslantepe was family based.