Testing the applicability of Watson’s Green Revolution concept in first millennium ce Central Asia

Abstract Drawing on archaeobotanical evidence from the central regions of Central Asia, we explore crop diffusion during first millennium ce . We present a comprehensive summary data retrieved this region dating to period in order better understand cultural drivers pushing agricultural intensification and diversification. use these evaluate applicability Watson’s concept Medieval Green Revolution. Despite ecological limits cultivation most crops much some crops, particularly Gossypium arboretum/herbaceum (cotton) Oryza sativa (rice), are prominent today. In both cases there is now good showing that they were cultivated prior Islamic conquests Asia. Moreover, occurrence several – Solanum melongena (eggplant), Ficus carica (fig), Morus alba/nigra (mulberry), two spices Rhus coriaria (sumac) Coriandrum sativum (coriander) have been observed phases dated 19th century There reason believe elaborate irrigation systems seasonal rotation cycles already place development centralized Arabic government likely tied urbanization half suggest trappings model this, but, as thesis multifaceted their presence alone does not nullify model. Additionally, diversity Asia means proper evaluation requires regionally specific examination.