Allan Hall

A multidisciplinary study of archaeological grape seeds.

We report here the first integrated investigation of both ancient DNA and proteins in archaeobotanical samples: medieval grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds, preserved by anoxic waterlogging, from an early medieval (seventh–eighth century A.D.) Byzantine rural settlement in the Salento area (Lecce, Italy) and a late (fourteenth–fifteenth century A.D.) medieval site in York (England). Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry documented good carbohydrate preservation, whilst amino acid analysis revealed approximately 90% loss of the original protein content. In the York sample, mass spectrometry-based sequencing identified several degraded ancient peptides. Nuclear microsatellite locus (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, ZAG62 and ZAG79) analysis permitted a tentative comparison of the genetic profiles of both the ancient samples with the modern varieties. The ability to recover microsatellite DNA has potential to improve biomolecular analysis on ancient grape seeds from archaeological contexts. Although the investigation of five microsatellite loci cannot assign the ancient samples to any geographic region or modern cultivar, the results allow speculation that the material from York was not grown locally, whilst the remains from Supersano could represent a trace of contacts with the eastern Mediterranean.

A high-resolution record of mire development and climatic change spanning the Late-glacial–Holocene boundary at Church Moss, Davenham (Cheshire, England)

Excavations of deposits filling a closed basin within glacial drift at Church Moss, Davenham, near Northwich (Cheshire, England) revealed a sequence of Late-glacial and Early Holocene sediments. Analyses of pollen and plant and invertebrate macrofossils were undertaken, together with loss-on-ignition analyses and a programme of AMS radiocarbon dating, to provide a record of changing biostratigraphy and climatic and ecological regimes. The infilling of features identified as frost-cracks in the till flooring the basin gave remains that reflected conditions of extreme cold towards the end of the Devensian. The pollen record from a 3.5 m sequence of peat towards the deepest part of the basin, supported by radiocarbon dates, shows that organic deposition was initiated during the Late-glacial Interstadial and continued into the early part of the Holocene. There was some evidence for a cool episode during the interstadial, with amelioration prior to the rapid onset of the tundra conditions of the Loch Lomond Stadial. Following the stadial, amelioration was rapid. There was evidence from both central and marginal sequences for a mosaic of fen dominated by sedges and often also mosses, with short-lived small pools through much of the succession. Change to terrestrial conditions proceeded intermittently, probably as a result of subsidence caused by solution of underlying salt-bearing strata

Pattern in Thinly-Distributed Plant and Invertebrate Macrofossils revealed by Extensive Analysis of Occupation Deposits at Low Fisher Gate, Doncaster, U.K.

Abstract Urban archaeological deposits of 11th-18th century date from an excavation in Doncaster were subjected to an extensive survey of macrofossil plant and animal remains. For the most part, the deposits contained few remains but the strategy adopted proved useful in revealing repeated occurrence of certain kinds of fossils. These were used to make deductions concerning various aspects of the nature of the occupation of the site.

An interpretation of biological remains from Highgate, Beverley

The combined evidence from plant macrofossils and insect remains from an early medieval site at Highgate, Beverley, East Yorkshire, has been used to determine the origin and mode of formation of some enigmatic “peaty” layers. These appeared to be the result of dumping of large quantities of organic waste, interesting in view of the position of the site between town and Minster. Problems of data presentation are briefly considered, and some new methods employed.

Turf roofs and urban archaeological build-up

Abstract Studies of turves used to line the thatched roof of an old farm building in north-west England showed that they might have been a major source of mineral particles and plant and insect remains in some archaeological deposits. Conversely, it might be possible to recognise the remains of turf roofs on occupation sites from characteristic elements of the biota. Analysis of a sample of the accumulation on the floor of the building prompts reconsideration of the nature of ‘indoor’ and ‘outdoor’ insect assemblages.

Urban organic archaeology: an irreplaceable palaeoecological archive at risk

Abstract ‘Waterlogged’ organic archaeology beneath historic towns represents a major archaeological resource, but changing ground conditions are seemingly leading to its decay. This issue should not concern just archaeologists and others in the heritage industry: there will be significant loss of data concerning past ecology, micro-evolution and human daily life, as well as ground settlement and release of greenhouse gases. The information that will be lost is not restricted to that from macro- and micro-fossils in a conventional sense; the deposits contain a wide range of potentially equally illuminating biomolecules, including DNA and lipid residues (papers in Brothwell and Pollard 2001). Preservation mechanisms for buried organics are poorly understood, although both archaeologists and – ironically – the waste disposal industry are making progress. Here we issue a clarion call for fundamental research to determine factors influencing the balance of decay and survival of organic remains, especially in urban archaeological sites, and to establish methods for monitoring the health of the deposits. Meanwhile, following the precautionary principle, strategic research excavations with fully integrated and comprehensive post-excavation programmes should be carried out in case the resource cannot be conserved.