On the Chalcolithic plant economy of the Hârşova-tell settlement (Romania): recent archaeobotanical results

Abstract

: Numerous remains of cultivated plants were recovered from the Boian culture, Gumelniţa culture and Cernavoda culture archaeological sediments of Hârșova- Tell , situated on the right bank of Danube River. The archaeological stratigraphy here represents the Copper Age evolution in this region (Boian, Hamangia, Gumelniţa and Cernavoda I Cultures, 5 th - 4 th millennia BC). The recent archaeobotanical findings are evidence that agriculture was an important direction of the agrarian economy of the local Chalcolithic populations. The charred and in some cases mineralized archaeocarpological material which was recovered and investigated attests to the cultivation of several cereals and pulses: einkorn (Triticum monococcum), emmer (T. dicoccum), bread wheat (T. aestivum), spelt wheat (T. aestivum ssp. spelta), Timopheev’s wheat (Triticum timopheevii), naked barley (Hordeum vulgare var. nudum), lentil (Lens culinaris), bitter vetch (Vicia ervilia), and common pea (Pisum sativum). This assemblage of cultivated cereals and pulses, where hulled wheats, particularly einkorn, and naked barley prevail, is common for the Chalcolithic period of South-Eastern Europe. The abundance of pulses is notable, as the cultivation of pulses drops somewhat in this period in the Near East and the Caucasus. In addition to the cultivation of cereals and pulses, viticulture (or use of wild grape) was practiced. Edible fruits, nuts and seeds (maybe herbs as well?) also were gathered and consumed. în Caucaz. Pe lângă cultivarea cerealelor și a legumelor, a fost practicată viticultura (sau utilizarea strugurilor sălbatici). Fructele, nucile și semințele comestibile (poate și ierburile?), de asemenea, au fost colectate și consumate.