Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
open access
This thesis focuses on the use of experimental archaeology and residues analysis to further our understanding of the plant exploitation possibilities on the Crimean Peninsula during the Late...Show moreThis thesis focuses on the use of experimental archaeology and residues analysis to further our understanding of the plant exploitation possibilities on the Crimean Peninsula during the Late Pleniglacial period (19 -15 cal BP). Crimean plant exploitation during this period is not well understood despite palaeoenvironmental, archaeological and ethnobotanical data being available. The aim was to elicit the types of residues that would have been collected and how these residues could be made useful in archaeological applications. This was done by executing several experiments with stone tools and plants likely to have been on the peninsula during that period. The results showed interesting plant specific correlations with the tools as well as a consistent performance of starch accumulation across all tools. These results are a vital step towards creating a broader and a more inclusive reference collection for wild plants in order to understand the residues and what we need to look for in the field from an archaeological and palaeobotanical perspective.Show less
When talking about archaeological research in Greece, it is safe to assume that most people think of the rich history of the ancient Greeks which has been studied intensively over several centuries...Show moreWhen talking about archaeological research in Greece, it is safe to assume that most people think of the rich history of the ancient Greeks which has been studied intensively over several centuries. Greek ruins scatter across the landscapes, with the Acropolis of Athens as a prime example. However, more stories, older stories, are hidden below that Classical landscape. Palaeolithic archaeological research is not a common area of interest among the archaeological studies in Greece. The Bronze age and Classical period are the main focus of most academic studies. Another reason for this fixed focus is because of the geological activity in Greece. Erosion, uplift, subsidence and deposition of geological material cause the Palaeolithic archaeological record to be obscured and difficult to find (Harvati et al. 2009, 131). Furthermore, the change in water level throughout the years between the inter-glacial and glacial periods have caused sites to disappear or to become unreachable (Wenban-Smith 2002, 3). Nevertheless, this lack of research leaves a gap in the archaeological information surrounding Palaeolithic Greece. For example, Greece can hold important information on the migration of early hominins and animals during the Pleistocene from Africa to Europe. As it is today, Greece could have been and probably was one of the most likely routes for migration from Africa to Europe. Moreover, research suggests that Greece contained refugia during multiple ice ages which were essential for flora and fauna, which also includes hominins to survive these cold periods. This further provides evidence to why Greece is a potential route for migration during the Pleistocene (Harvati et al. 2009, 131).Show less
In this thesis, it is examined how the period between ca. 150 and 350 AD is represented in the macrobotanical record of the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. Furthermore, an attempt is made to shed light...Show moreIn this thesis, it is examined how the period between ca. 150 and 350 AD is represented in the macrobotanical record of the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. Furthermore, an attempt is made to shed light on the developments which must have led to the assumed demographic decline during this period. This is done by relating the macrobotanical outcome to four prediction models which were based on four existing explanatory theories on the decline, formulated by Groenman-van Waateringe (1983), Roymans and Gerritsen (2002), Slofstra (1991) and Verwers (1998). These scholars disagreed about the exact start and end date of the decline. Although the macrobotanical record does not show an unambiguous chronological overview for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area, most data refer to a gradual start between 150 and 200 AD and an end date around 350 AD. It is revealed that the macrobotanical data lack evidence about essential trends formulated in the prediction models. It was impossible to significantly enhance or weaken either of the four explanatory theories. However, it is clear that the period between 150 and 350 AD was not a fruitful phase for the Meuse-Demer-Scheldt area. More research and a uniform presentation of results in macrobotanical studies were strongly recommended.Show less
