Trade or Trash: an examination of the archaeobotanical remains from the Byzantine harbour at Caesarea Maritima, Israel

Abstract

A rich collection of waterlogged plant‐remains was recovered from the harbour at Caesarea Maritima, Israel. These remains were identified and represent several varieties of fruit, nut, cereal crop, crop by‐product and weed species. The two areas where remains were recovered provided assemblages that were different in composition. Trade or trash are the two interpretations discussed. In either case, however, the information derived from the assemblage is of archaeological importance, as the species present can aid in economic, dietary and trade reconstructions.

© 2010 The Author

Key words:

• harbour archaeology
• archaeobotany
• Caesarea
• waterlogging
• trade
• economy

Acknowledgments

This article could not have been written without support and encouragement from Professor Kenneth Holum and the late Professor Avner Raban who supplied me with the material for the analysis. I am also indebted to J. Stabler, Dr E. Reinhardt and Dr D. Burley for their assistance and advice. And finally to C. Ramsay, L. Ramsay and J. Ramsay for their infinite patience.