from Part V - Palaeoeconomies and developing archaeological methodologies
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 26 April 2011
ABSTRACT
Ninety-six phytolith samples were analysed from seven archaeological sites ranging from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic to the Classical period and from two ethnoarchaeological sites in Jordan. The aims were to test the possibility of detecting past irrigation with the methodology outlined by Madella et al. (2009) and Jenkins et al. (Chapter 21, this volume) and to study the contextual and temporal variation of plant use in Jordan. We utilised a water availability index using the proportion of phytolith types and ordination statistical methods to explore the similarities between the phytolith assemblages. The result of applying the irrigation methodology was promising, with contexts from water channels showing the greatest indication of water availability. Changes in plant use through time were also apparent with regard to phytolith densities and taxonomy. Date palm was identified in the Pottery Neolithic, providing one of the earliest records for this taxon in Jordan. This study shows the potential of both the water availability index and the value of inter-site comparison of phytolith assemblages.
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter phytolith analysis will be used to gain an understanding of past plant exploitation on a range of archaeological sites in Jordan dating from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A (PPNA) to the Classical period. The broad aim of our analysis is to provide insights into past plant use in Jordan and to determine whether general patterns are observable through the phytolith record. One issue we wish to address is whether chronological changes in plant economy can be discerned.
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