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Palaeo-Ecological Aspects of Farafra Oasis (Egyptian Sabkha) During the Mid-Neolithic Period (7130–6190 BP): A Multivariate Analysis

2010; Springer Nature (Netherlands); Linguagem: Inglês

10.1007/978-90-481-9673-9_5

1875-130X

Ahmed G. Fahmy, Monier M. Abd El‐Ghani,

Pleistocene-Era Hominins and Archaeology

Studies have been carried out on carbonized plant macro-remains recovered from the Hidden Valley, a Neolithic settlement located on ancient playa shoreline deposits near Farafra Oasis, Egypt. Site contexts have been radiocarbon-dated to 7130–6190 BP. A total of 63 soil samples were collected the total volume of these samples is 81 l collected in two seasons (1996 and 1997), during which a total area of 61 m2 was excavated. Soil samples were processed by dry-screening, Recovered plant macroremains were dominated by grains of wild grasses. Multivariate and correspondence analyses were employed to explore the temporal distribution of plant macro-remains and their relationship to archaeological features, including hearths, milling stones, and pot-holes. Two-Ways Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) of a data matrix of 40 samples × 36 taxa using density values resulted in the recognition of seven floristic groups. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to examine the relationships between floristic groups and 18 archaeological variables. The highest densities of plant macro-remains characterised sections of the site that had been occupied by human Neolithic inhabitants for longer periods of time (horizons 1 and 2). The highest species diversity indices were that of pot holes, while sediments collected near milling stones had the lowest values. The study indicated that the playa deposition on the archaeological site provided a unique opportunity to preserve the botanical remains underneath. Reconstruction of the past vegetation around the Hidden Valley settlement increased our knowledge on palaeoecological aspects of the Farafra Oasis during the Mid-Neolithic period.