Journal•ISSN: 1461-4103
Environmental Archaeology
Maney Publishing
About: Environmental Archaeology is an academic journal published by Maney Publishing. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Archaeology & Bronze Age. It has an ISSN identifier of 1461-4103. Over the lifetime, 655 publications have been published receiving 9377 citations.
Topics: Archaeology, Bronze Age, Geography, Mesolithic, Woodland
Papers published on a yearly basis
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TL;DR: In this paper, the significance of the analysis of archaeological wood charcoal macro-remains as a tool for the reconstruction of woodland vegetation and its exploitation is discussed, drawing from both older and more recent publications a number of theoretical and methodological approaches are examined.
Abstract: In this paper the significance of the analysis of archaeological wood charcoal macro-remains as a tool for the reconstruction of woodland vegetation and its exploitation is discussed. Drawing from both older and more recent publications a number of theoretical and methodological approaches are examined. It is suggested that greater integration of charcoal and archaeological data is needed when evaluating charcoal preservation and sample composition, and that a more coherent theory of the complex ecological and cultural processes affecting species availability and firewood management needs to be developed.
296 citations
TL;DR: The taphonomy of archaeological pulses is considered in the context of crop-processing of pulses, in which an important distinction can be drawn between free-threshing and pod-th Reshing types.
Abstract: Pulses are a significant component of traditional subsistence in South Asia. Reliable identification criteria for identifying these from archaeological seed remains are reviewed. The botanical evidence relating to the wild progenitors and their distribution, especially of Indian natives (Macrotyloma uniflorum, Vigna radiata, Vigna mungo) is summarised, including new evidence from primary botanical research. The problem of seed size increase in pulses is reviewed through a focused study on Vigna spp., in which it is shown that seed enlargement is delayed by 1–2,000 years after initial cultivation. The taphonomy of archaeological pulses is considered in the context of crop-processing of pulses, in which an important distinction can be drawn between free-threshing and pod-threshing types. The total archaeobotanical record for pulses in South Asia (India and Pakistan) is summarised and key regional differences are highlighted.
200 citations
TL;DR: Fodder From Dung: the Recognition and Interpretation of Dung-Derived Plant Material from Archaeological Sites as mentioned in this paper is a seminal work in the field of environmental archaeology.
Abstract: (1998). Fodder From Dung: the Recognition and Interpretation of Dung-Derived Plant Material from Archaeological Sites. Environmental Archaeology: Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 111-122.
119 citations
TL;DR: The first detailed review of all archaeobotanical records from Roman Britain is presented in this paper, which reveals that some 50 new plants food (mostly fruits, herbs and vegetables) were introduced into this country during the Roman period.
Abstract: This paper presents the first detailed review of all archaeobotanical records from Roman Britain. It reveals that some 50 new plants food (mostly fruits, herbs and vegetables) were introduced into this country during the Roman period. These introductions represent a major diversification of the plant component of the British diet at this time, adding important nutrients, variety of flavours, ways of expressing cultural identity, as well as social status. The geographical, chronological and social dispersal of these foods is analysed and three dispersal patterns and at least four consumer groups are identified. Methodological issues are discussed and gaps in the data highlighted. The role of these foods in expressions of cultural identity is briefly discussed, as is the impact of their introduction on the productive capacity of the agricultural economy.
107 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors assess geomorphological dimensions of the initial settlement period using a tephrochronology that includes the Landnam Tephra, erupted ca. 870 AD, two tenth century AD tephras KR 920 and E 935.
Abstract: The first human impacts on the Icelandic environment came with the Norse colonisation or Landnam of the ninth century AD. The colonisation represents a fundamental environmental change that is both rapid and profound. In this paper we assess geomorphological dimensions of the initial settlement period using a tephrochronology that includes the Landnam Tephra, erupted ca. 870 AD, two tenth century AD tephras KR 920 and E 935, and 11 other well dated tephra layers. We report a new 14C age of 1676 ±12 14C yr BP (cal AD 345 (400) 419) for the tephra SILK-YN which forms a key prehistoric marker horizon that constrains rates of environmental change in the centuries before Norse Settlement. Aeolian sediment accumulation rates show five geomorphological responses to settlement that differ in the rate and trajectory of change. These distinct anthropogenic signals are the result of spatially variable sensitivity to grazing and deforestation, and reflect the extent of local soil erosion. This critical erosio...
97 citations