New archaeobotanical evidence for Medicago from the Astana Cemetery in Turpan, Xinjiang

Abstract The study of crop dispersal and their cultivation technique communication can provide a valuable insight into the history cultural exchange in ancient Eurasia. Previous studies have focused predominantly on cereals, with few being carried out fruit, vegetable forage crops. This paper reports legume remains found at three tombs Astana Cemetery, Turpan, Xinjiang, which dated to Jin Tang dynasties (about third ninth centuries). exceptional state preservation desiccated allowed unambiguous determination species level. By comparing morphological characteristics Medicago published references, they were ascribed sativa lupulina . is first archaeobotanical evidence M. China earliest relevant physical material so far found. In addition, combined record unearthed documents, our shed new light early use Turpan further underlined its important role between West East antiquity.