Zoo-archaeology and archaeo-botany
Zoology and botany provide some tools of analysis which are very helpful in the study of the animal and plant remains recovered during the archaeological excavations. Their methodologies are applied as a first step towards the understanding of the complex relationships between humans, plants and animals in the past.
Animal bones, murex shells and olive stones.
Plant remains in temperate environments such as that of Greece are usually preserved for centuries when carbonised. They are either seeds, fruits or other plant parts, which were accidentally burned in the past, or wood of trees and bushes, which was used as fuel. Plant remains are also occasionally found mineralised, waterlogged or desiccated. The animal remains most commonly recovered from excavations are the bones and shells of mammals, birds, fish, snails and seafood which are leftovers of consumption. Occasionally hair, horn, scales and feathers are also preserved. Animal remains might also represent leftovers of manufacturing processes such as bone tool making. In some cases we may find animal remains, whose presence is not directly related to consumption or manufacture. Rat bones, insect remains and most land snails, for example, usually end up in the archaeological deposits by processes independent of human intentions. These remains are often valuable environmental indicators.
Μolar of a horse, charcoal of olive and seeds.
The first step in the analysis and interpretation of the archaeological plant and animal remains is their identification. This is done by comparison with modern specimens of known identity. A reference collection of plants and animals and identification atlases are basic tools in this process. Then each species’ special characteristics such as habitat preference, edibility or other types of use, age at death and sex for the animals, as well as traces of working or processing are taken into account along with the context of their recovery. Plant and animal remains are of vital importance in researching the nature of ancient environment, agricultural and animal husbandry practises, issues of diet and food consumption, as well as the use of plants and animals in manufacture, trade etc. Plant and animal symbolism, their role in religion and in folklore are also aspects of their relationship with humans, and these too can be explored through the study of ancient remains of plants and animals.
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