A Brief History of Broomcorn Millet Cultivation in Lithuania

The eastern Baltic region represents the world’s most northerly limit of successful broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) (hereafter, millet) cultivation in past, yet this crop has been almost forgotten today. earliest identified from macrobotanical remains which were directly dated to ca 1000 BCE. Between 800 and 500 BCE, was one major staple foods territory modern-day Lithuania. Millet continued play an important role past agriculture up until 15th century, with its use significantly declining during following centuries. This paper analyses both archaeobotanical records written sources on Lithuania first arrival all way through 19th century. manuscript reviews evidence as documented by historical accounts. In light fluctuating time, we present hypothetical reasons for decline human food. hypothesizes that significant decrease century onwards likely influenced several factors, include climate change (the Little Ice Age) agricultural reforms 16th However, more detailed research is required link fluctuations climatic sources, thus better understanding roots collapsing biodiversity past.