Identification and exploitation of wild rye (Secale spp.) during the early Neolithic in the Middle Euphrates valley

Abstract Charred remains of wild rye from five sites in the Middle Euphrates region Syria dated to end Pleistocene and beginning Holocene are examined. This period spans transition gathering beginnings cultivation. Today cannot grow because temperatures aridity too pronounced. Wild grains two-grained einkorn morphologically similar, which has led difficulties identification; some cases may have been identified as or Triticum/Secale . In this paper, with reference modern specimens re-examination charred material Dja’de el-Mughara, Jerf el-Ahmar Mureybet, we examine criteria for identification revise results caryopses spikelet bases. We then present these new show that at early Neolithic el-Ahmar, el-Mughara Tell ‘Abr 3 frequencies much higher than but barley is dominant cereal. followed by discussions how why exploited during disappears advent mixed farming.