EAA2021: Abstract

In recent years, multiproxy approaches to ground stone tool analysis, which incorporate plant micro-remains with use-wear, have become integrated component of archaeological projects around the world, increasing our understanding of plant processing and culinary practices. These methods however have not been frequently applied in Mediterranean research. This poster aims to demonstrate the value of combining the results of phytolith and starch grain analyses with multi-scale use-wear analyses through the examination of 10 ground stone tools recovered at the Early Bronze Age short- term settlement of Agios Athanasios, in northern Greece. The selected tools were recovered from both interior and exterior occupational contexts and, for comparative purposes, the analysis was conducted on residue extracted from utilized and unutilized surfaces. The results indicate that the inhabitants of the site were exploiting a wide variety of plant products, including different kinds of legumes and cereals. The condition of the micro-remains also suggests that a range of practices were employed during the processing of different plants. Above all this study demonstrates the usefulness of a combined methodological approach for enhancing our understanding of tool use and plant processing activities at archaeological sites in Greece.

phytolith analysis, starch grain analysis, ground stone tools, Greece

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Georgia Kasapidou^1,2

Georgia Tsartsidou^3,4
Calla McNamee³
Danai Chondrou^1,2
Soultana Maria Valamoti^1,2