Socioeconomic implications of cereal crop production in inland Thrace during the Late Iron Age

• Main Author: Ivanova, Nataliya
• Published: University of Nottingham 2013
• Subjects: 939
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.664291

This thesis explores the operation sequences of the production, processing, and storage of cereal crops in inland Thrace during the second half of the first millennium BC. This period saw the rise of tribal states and the appearance of urban centres in the Thracian hinterland with important trading links with Classical Greece and the Hellenistic world. By combining archaeological data with archaeobotanical and ethnographic studies as well as the available documentary and iconographic sources, the research addresses questions regarding access and ownership of arable land, the intended purpose of agricultural produce as well as tradition and novelty in the agricultural methods and tools. The presentation of the geographical characteristics of the region demonstrates its favourable conditions for agriculture, while the palynological data suggest that woodland clearance for arable and pasture land increased during the second half of the first millennium BC. The available archaeobotanical studies reveal the variety of species cultivated by the local Thracian population and demonstrate the primary position of cereal food in the diet. A major change in the preferred cereal species has been attested during the Late Iron Age with bread/durum wheat being predominant as opposed to einkorn and emmer. The investigation of agricultural tools and structures connected to cereal crop production, storage, and processing reveals not only the tradition in the employed implements but also the adoption of advanced techniques by the local Thracian communities. While the discovery of agricultural implements at the major urban sites, which are better excavated and provide more secure dating, is of great significance, our knowledge about the Thracian countryside is still very limited. The deposition of farming tools at cult sites - peak sanctuaries and pit complexes - sheds light on the importance of agriculture in the practised rituals. Ethnographic parallels as well as the available iconographic sources and literary references assist in the reconstruction of past farming practices and implements. The comprehensive analysis of the different stages involved in cereal crop production contributes to our understanding of the economic choices and social complexity of Thracian society.