Archaeobotany in Lebanon, Case Studies Proving the Value of Implementing Archaeobotanical Analysis in Excavations

Abstract

This research aims to prove the importance of archaeobotanical analysis in archaeological contexts. In Lebanon, many archaeological excavations are conducted. Yet, the number of archaeobotanical analyses implemented for the sites are meager. Only a few sites are well represented, such as Tell Burak, Tell Fadous-Kfarabida, and Sidon. Unfortunately, that is not the case for all sites. This research presents three different case studies from different Lebanese sites: Qornet ed-Deir, Tell Kubba, and Tell Mirhan. These sites are located in different areas and were settled in different periods, which will prove the efficacy of archaeobotanical analysis in all locations and from all periods. The research process of archaeobotanical samples was conducted using the flotation method, then studied on a macrobotanical scale to identify the ancient seeds. Then, after the results are analyzed, the nature of the site and its available natural resources, and economic activity were investigated. Finally, a reflection on the potential of archaeobotany in Lebanon was discussed, as well as its possible enrichment of knowledge on Lebanese archaeological sites.