First archaeobotanical contribution to the history of food production and agriculture at Aghmat (Morocco) between the 11th and the 17th c

Aghmat, medieval city of the Haouz region (Marrakech), is described by textual sources as a prosperous commercial city, surrounded fertile lands. Located at foot High Atlas, opening Ourika valley, it benefited from geographical situation favourable to development an important irrigated agriculture. However, Aghmat was hit great crisis that struck Morocco end 14th and during 15th c., abandoned. It only in course 16th c. locality found new dynamism, while knowing deep spatial, demographic economic reorganization. Indeed, seems take this period shape dispersed habitat, entirely dedicated agricultural development. Since 2005, extensive excavation urban centre its levels abandonment makes possible locally approach transitional between two socio-economic systems. Thus arises question evolutions role played various components on lands management. The recent creation archaeobotanical program includes both carpological anthracological analysis be most promising way document these questions. Based nearly fifty archaeological samples extracted varied contexts (hearths, dumps, plantation pits), dated 11th 17th work allows proposing first review cultivated/gathered plants.