REVISITING ARCHIVED RYE GRAINS DISCOVERED AT THE NEOLITHIC SITE CUNEŞTI (ROMANIA)

ABSTRACT Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating is crucial for a correct integration of plant remains in the (pre)history crops, particularly those that do not belong to Neolithic package and are known arrive Europe much later. This paper reviews one earliest records rye from Romania. The grains were discovered tell settlement Cunești, which belongs Gumelnița communities (ca. 4600–3900 BC). In 1954, due Danube flooding, large portion south part collapsed, between burnt dwelling visible resulting profile, number sherds three typical pots identified. According excavation’s author, found association with sherds, it was assumed batch stored these Eneolithic vessels. Consequently, published as belonging period. Our reanalysis led two radiocarbon ( 14 C) dates, different laboratories, indicate Cunești prehistoric but dates medieval To this error concerning implications European archaeology, we decided republish an updated chronological framework. addition, performed stable isotope analyses on charred grains, confirming they cultivated dry land, well 3D morphometric investigation. research brings new original data cultures period southeastern Europe.