Marathousa-1, Megalopolis basin, central Peloponnesus, dates to MIS 12 and is the oldest archaeological site in Greece. Palaeontological and archaeological finds include a near-complete skeleton of...Show moreMarathousa-1, Megalopolis basin, central Peloponnesus, dates to MIS 12 and is the oldest archaeological site in Greece. Palaeontological and archaeological finds include a near-complete skeleton of the elephant species Palaeoloxodon antiquus, many other animal bones and high amounts of stratigraphically associated small lithics. Cut marks on several bones indicate hominin exploitation of faunal resources. This research tried to assess the potential for plant exploitation at the site. In order to do that, the local vegetation of the site was reconstructed by means of a macro-botanical analysis. Two types of data were acquired: semi-quantitative data of four samples, and concentration data of one sample of those four. The results show that the majority of the identified plant taxa has an aquatic or waterside habitat, suggesting a lake-shore setting for the site. Big changes in the vegetation over time could not be established. Because not much is known about plant exploitation in the Palaeolithic, a literature study was deployed. By combining information from non-botanical sources and preserved plant remains at other sites, Palaeolithic plant use can be reconstructed. Plants must have played an important role in the lives of Palaeolithic hominins. Plants provided food, supplied raw material for tools, shelter and bedding and were essential for starting and maintaining a fire. Approximately two-third of the 62 plant taxa identified at Marathousa-1 is suitable for one or more of these purposes. The potential for plant exploitation at Marathousa-1 was therefore high, but due to the nature of the site and the sampling method actual use of plants by hominins at the site cannot be proven.Show less
In this research, multiple proxies have been studied in order to reconstruct the environment of Barnham. At this site, lithic artefacts as well as many organic remains are found. The site itself...Show moreIn this research, multiple proxies have been studied in order to reconstruct the environment of Barnham. At this site, lithic artefacts as well as many organic remains are found. The site itself correlates to the Hoxnian interglacial (MIS 11), which is dated to approximately 430 to 360 Kyr BP. Multiple excavation campaigns have occurred at the site, but only since the campaign of 2016 the site has yielded botanical macrofossils. This is a datatype that was before not yet studied at Barnham. In this thesis the sample taken from the field is studied and related to the existing data and the data of other sites in East Anglia. The study of this data has provided more detailed information of the local vegetation which grew in and around the waterbody of Barnham. The macrofossils confirm the existing environmental reconstruction, which is that of a mixed deciduous woodland and open grassland area with a waterbody present which is still to slow moving. Researching environment, especially at sites like Barnham, help to better understand hominin behaviour and the context they lived in.Show less
