Archaeobotany talk at Appleby Archaeology Group meeting

It took place during their last meeting on Thursday, February 8.

Ms Shaw enlightened the group about the invaluable knowledge that can be gained from studying ancient plant remains, such as centuries-old charred grains.

Delving into scientific specifics, she explained that plant remains can survive in archaeological records when transformed into charcoal through low-oxygen fires, resulting in resistance to deterioration.

These carbonised remains, the most common type of plant macrofossil, can be recovered from archaeological sites using a method called flotation.

The technique employs water to separate charred and organic material from heavier sediment.

As Ms Shaw detailed, the light, floatable material is collected, dried, and in due course examined under a microscope.

This patient and meticulous investigation identifies the ancient usage of plants for culinary purposes, crafting tools, wicker baskets, wattle fences and pinpoints the historical period they belong to.

The overarching objective of archaeobotany, as Ms Shaw explained, is to explore the relationship between ancient human societies and their botanical environment, providing a window into the resources they used and the food they harvested.

Fascinatingly, the archaeologist also touched upon the practices of ancient travellers.

She mentioned merchants' northern hemisphere routes, paying particular attention to Viking explorations, noting the presence of religious personas undertaking northern journeys to spread religious teachings.

In a gripping climax to her guest talk, Ms Shaw extended on her personal experience of working in Iceland.

She talked about an intriguing discovery at the Augustinian monastery of Skriouklaustur, established in 1493 but short-lived due to the Lutheran Reformation in the early 1550s.

There, a charred apple pip was unearthed, indicating that monks had imported and grown apple trees, providing an engaging and enlightening conclusion to her talk on this compelling branch of archaeology.