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