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5,000-Year-Old Burned Barley Found in Turkey
19 Nov
Summary
- Ancient barley grains, 5,000 years old, discovered in Turkey.
- Grains were preserved due to being burned, found in an ancient kitchen.
- Excavations suggest the site was a significant agricultural center.
Ancient barley grains, dating back 5,000 years to the Early Bronze Age, have been discovered in Turkey's eastern province of Van. These remarkably preserved seeds were found at the Iremir Mound archaeological site, unearthed from the remains of an ancient kitchen. The grains were preserved due to a fire, indicating how destruction can sometimes lead to preservation of history.
Excavation leader Hanifi Biber stated that the site may have been a significant agricultural center. Alongside the grains, archaeologists found grinding stones, pottery, and cattle bones. The discovery of a warehouse and kiln further supports the theory of intensive agricultural activity and settlement in the area.
This find is one of several significant food-related archaeological discoveries in Turkey recently. It contributes valuable insights into the ancient agricultural practices and the historical development of the Lake Van region, offering a glimpse into Bronze Age sustenance and settlement patterns.
