Crop diversity and storage structures in the settlement of crastoeiro (Northwest Iberia): New approaches

Abstract

The Iron Age site of Crastoeiro (Mondim de Basto, Vila Real, North Portugal) revealed an interesting set of pits opened in the bedrock. Soil samples were collected from these and a carpological study was carried out in order to obtain information about crop diversity and characterize the storage structures. Nineteen samples from 4 pits yielded important results for the understanding of agriculture and storage practices in Crastoeiro. Spelt wheat (Triticum spelta) was the predominant crop in the studied pits. The presence of spikelets suggests grain was stored partially processed, which might have been a strategy to allow long-term storage. Broomcorn millet (Pani-cum miliaceum), hulled barley (Hordeum vulgare), rye (Secale cereale) and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were also found. Radiocarbon dates on rye grains are the oldest in the Iberian Peninsula, suggesting rye was introduced in the region in the end of the Iron Age, at the time of early Roman contacts. In a regional perspective the results from Crastoeiro highlight the use of undemanding crops well adapted to harsh environments, including cold climate and poor soils.