Archaeological evidence on the use of vetchlings (Lathyrus spp) in ancient Europe

Abstract

Vetchlings (Lathyrus spp) were a part of the everyday diet of the European hunter-gatherers at the end of the last Ice Age. The major criteria to determine the domestication in vetchlings are non-dehiscent pods, larger seed size and smooth seed testa. Vetchlings seeds were found among the earliest findings of cultivated crops at the site of Tell El- Kerkh, Syria, from 10th millennium BP. Along with cereals, pea and lentil, vetchlings have become definitely associated with the start of the ‘agricultural revolution’ in the Old World. Vetchlings entered Europe in its southern regions and progressed into its interior via Danube. Its distribution was rapid, since the available evidence reveals its presence in remote places at similar periods.

Keywords

• Archaeology
• Crop history
• Distribution
• Lathyrus spp
• Old Europe
• Vetchlings