Archaeobotanical studies at the Urartian site of Ayanis in Van Province, eastern Turkey

Authors : Tuğba SOLMAZ, Emel OYBAK DÖNMEZ

Pages : 282-296

Doi:10.3906/bot-1204-3

View : 17 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 0000-00-00

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Archaeobotanical macro remains recovered from the Ayanis fortress and the outer town of the Urartian period of the Iron Age insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(685-645 BC);, located in the area of Van insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Turkey);, were investigated. Most of the remains were charred due to fire. Large quantities of Hordeum vulgare L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(hulled barley);, Panicum miliaceum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(broomcorn millet);, and Setaria italica insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(L.); P.Beauvois insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(foxtail millet); were found at the study site, indicating the storage of agricultural surplus. Other types of cereal remains were also recorded, including Triticum aestivum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(bread wheat); and Secale cereale L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(rye);. Ground wheat grains were also recovered and their starch microstructure under scanning electron microscope suggests that these remains represent a bulgur-like food preparation. The data suggest that in the area of Ayanis plant-based agricultural activities were based mainly on cereals in the Iron Age. The findings also include fruits of Carum carvi L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(caraway, Persian cumin);, Coriandrum sativum L. insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(coriander);, and Petroselinum crispum insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(Mill.); Fuss insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(parsley);. In view of the folkloric use of these plants, it is thought that the material from Ayanis represents condiments and/or medicinal herbs used by the Urartians in Anatolia about 2600 years ago.
Keywords : Key words Archaeobotany, Urartu, Ayanis, Van, Turkey, Iron Age