The archaeobotany of Qaratepe, Azerbaijan 2nd–13th century

Abstract This paper presents the results of an archaeobotanical analysis plant macro-remains recovered during excavations a rural tepe site at Qaratepe, Azerbaijan, occupied Sasanian and Islamic periods between 2nd 13th centuries ad . The material derives from 4 year Oxford University expedition which occurred 2015 2018, ‘The Archaeological Exploration Barda Project (AEB)’, established to investigate provincial structure eastern Caucasus region in Late Antique early periods. Traditionally, archaeological practice Azerbaijan has not embraced environmental techniques despite region’s importance understanding agriculture diffusion crop species period, little research been conducted there date. assemblage therefore forms rare unique contribution field archaeobotany provides first evidence husbandry settlement these In total, 8,676 carbonised remains representing minimum 60 were recorded 80 samples analysed, providing important insights into utilisation (Full taxonomic list available on-line supplementary (ESM)). Archaeobotanical revealed range crops cultivated consumed centuries. Results demonstrate that naked wheat ( Triticum aestivum / durum turgidum ), barley Hordeum vulgare broomcorn millet Panicum miliaceum ) primarily 6th centuries, key have present Southern for several millennia. study also identified cultivation rice Oryza sativa watermelon Citrullus lanatus melon Melo century, indicating change agricultural production period introduction new cultivars adaptions.