Archeobotany (/ˌɑːkiːəʊˈbɒtəni/) is the study of ancient plant remains. The word "archeo" (from Greek, meaning "ancient") and "botany" (the scientific study of plants) make up the compound word. The "ch" sound is represented with the letter sequence "ch" instead of the digraph "tch" because the second syllable of "botany" already has the letter "t." The emphasis falls on the second syllable, making the vowels in the first syllable short, unlike in "archaeology," where the first two vowels are long.
Archeobotany is a subfield of archaeology that focuses on the study of plant remains found at archaeological sites in order to understand past human-plant interactions and ecosystems. It combines archaeological and botanical approaches to identify, analyze, and interpret plant remains, including seeds, pollen, wood charcoal, and plant fibers, that were preserved in the archaeological record.
The analysis of archeobotanical remains allows researchers to gain insight into various aspects of human history, such as diet and subsistence strategies, agricultural practices, land use patterns, trade networks, and the environment. By studying the morphology, anatomy, and composition of plant remains, archeobotanists can identify plant species and varieties, determine their geographical origins, assess their preservation status, and reconstruct past environments.
Archeobotany employs various laboratory techniques, including microscopy, plant anatomy, macro- and microbotanical analysis, carbonized seed identification, and pollen analysis, among others. Additionally, modern technological advancements, such as radiocarbon dating and stable isotope analysis, are often used to provide chronological and dietary information related to the identified plant remains.
The field of archeobotany has greatly contributed to our understanding of ancient agricultural practices, the spread of domesticated crops, the development of early farming systems, and the impact of human activities on local and global environments throughout history. Overall, archeobotany plays a crucial role in reconstructing and interpreting the dynamic relationship between humans and plants across different cultures and time periods.
The word "archeobotany" is derived from two main components: "archeo" and "botany".
1. "Archeo": The term "archeo" has roots in the Greek word "archaios" (ἀρχαῖος), meaning ancient or old. It is commonly used as a prefix denoting antiquity or being related to ancient times. In the context of "archeobotany", "archeo" refers to the study of ancient plant remains.
2. "Botany": The word "botany" originates from the Greek word "botanē" (βοτάνη), which means plant or herb. It is the scientific study of plants, including their structure, physiology, classification, and relationships with the environment.