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granules, for example — can be
recovered from these sites. These
plants and plant parts are preserved
in a number of different ways, the
most common being charred
remains as a result of being exposed
to fire.
Plant material, when charred,
survives as a carbon skeleton. As
such, it allows the original shape to
stay preserved. This characteristic makes it easier
to identify the material. Charred material can
survive for long periods of time. Yet, it is also
fragile and can be easily trampled or fractured as
a result of freezing or thawing.Yes to ‘Waterlogged’!
In England, plant material can be preserved as a
result of waterlogged oranoxicconditions. These
occur in pits, ditches, and wells that were dug
below the water table. Anoxic conditions provide
an environment that is low in oxygen, which
greatly slows the rate of decay. Waterlogging
preserves both the robust and the more delicate
parts of plants. As a result, it is possible to identify
a large amount of recovered organic material,such as fruit stones, cereal, locally grown weeds,
household rubbish remains, leather, textiles, and
wood.
At the archaeological site of Coppergate in
northern England, which was excavated between
1976 and 1981, a large number of botanical
remains were recovered from severaldeposits.As
these deposits were found in anoxic waterlogged
areas, many organisms were preserved. This
abundance of well-preserved material included
seeds, plants, pollen, parasite eggs, insects,
animal bones, timber of buildings, textiles for
clothing, and leather shoes. The deposits that
dated from the ninth to the mid-11th centuries
were particularly helpful. They offered clues to the
diet and health of the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants.
They also helped archaeologists better
understand the relationship between urban
centers and less populated areas.Variety — Definitely!
Most uncovered remains offer evidence that
support the use of different cereals, much of
which was used in the making of flour-based
foods such as bread. In fact, studies show that
wheat, rye, oats, and barley were all ground
down to create flour. Whole grains of each were
also found. These could have been used in soups,
porridge, and for brewing beverages. The breadDeposits, in archaeology, refer to groups of artifacts
uncovered within a single layer or context.Phytolithsare minute mineral particles
formed inside a plant.What a selection — a
buffet offering at an
Anglo-Saxon
re-enactment!Six men harvest
crops with scythes
and a pitchfork.
Can you spot the
one with the
pitchfork?Anoxic refers to an absence of oxygen.