Spicing up life in northwestern Europe: exotic food plant imports in the Roman and medieval world |
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Authors: | Alexandra Livarda |
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Institution: | (1) Department of Archaeology, University of Sheffield, Northgate House, West Street, Sheffield, S1 4ET, UK |
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Abstract: | This research investigates the introduction and trade of numerous exotic food plants across northwestern Europe during the
Roman and medieval periods. Data were collected from all available archaeobotanical records on taxa that cannot grow in the
study area or which require considerable efforts for their cultivation, together with relevant archaeological information
(date, site type, context, status) to put the results in context. The results showed that many true imports were completely
absent from archaeological contexts. This was due to a variety of reasons, such as poor preservation and limited access according
to economic and/or cultural factors. A number of other exotic spices, fruits, vegetables, nuts and cereals, however, were
identified in the study area and period. Analysis of their social, spatial and temporal occurrence indicated that different
groups of people had access to these exotics and were responsible for their dispersal in different periods, but despite their
fluctuating fortunes, their use remained generally exclusive. This study of exotic food plant imports highlights their value
in understanding socio-economic impacts and changes in past societies. |
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