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An early find of ‘fava’ from Thebes

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 September 2013

Glynis Jones  and
Paul Halstead
Glynis Jones
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
Paul Halstead
Affiliation:
University of Sheffield
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Abstract

A polychrome style krater from an LH I A destruction level in Thebes contained charred seeds of Vicia faba L. (field bean), which had been split in the manner of Greek ‘fava’ (φάβα). The growing archaeological evidence for late bronze age consumption of pulses contrasts with their absence from the Linear B archives. Consumption of the field bean as fava affects the intake of toxins which may cause lethal anaemia, but may also afford protection against malaria.

Type
Research Article
Information
Annual of the British School at Athens , Volume 88 , November 1993 , pp. 103 - 104
Copyright
Copyright © The Council, British School at Athens 1993

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References

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