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Archaeobotany

All articles tagged with #archaeobotany

archaeology1 year ago

Ancient Moroccan Cave Reveals Early Human Use of Medicinal Plants

Researchers have discovered 15,000-year-old Ephedra seed cones in a burial site in Morocco, suggesting early humans used plants as drugs. The Ephedra plant, known for its stimulant properties, was likely consumed during burial rituals by the Iberomaurusians, indicating a sophisticated understanding of its effects. This finding highlights the significant role of plants in prehistoric life, predating agriculture, and suggests that ancient humans used plants for medicinal and ritualistic purposes.

archaeology2 years ago

"Uncovering 5,000-Year-Old Burnt Food Remains Reveals Ancient Cooking Techniques"

Researchers from Kiel University have conducted the first archaeobotanical study of burnt food residues on 5,000-year-old ceramic vessels, revealing a diverse Neolithic diet in Eastern Holstein. The analysis showed evidence of cereals and wild plants, indicating a sophisticated preparation of plant-based foodstuffs. The findings suggest that Neolithic food was varied and flavorful, with cereals and dairy products likely processed into porridge for everyday use. This study expands our understanding of the transformation of plants into meals during the Neolithic period in north-central Europe.