A quote about latrine archaeobotany

[bunnyjadwiga]

(Guaranteed Zombie-free)

Herbs and spices are usually well represented in their remains in sewage, such as poppy, mustard, mallow, linseed, coriander, caraway, dill and fennel. Somewhat surprisingly some herbs, grown for their leaves like savory and parsley, are represented by their seeds, perhaps from herbs gathered in autumn and dried. Exotic imports from the tropics have taken place at least since Classical times, according to documentary sourdces, but the biological evidence of this, in the form of peppercords found in pits at Tauton and by Mark Robinson from the privy of the Provost of Oriel College, Oxford are post-medieval in date, perhaps a sign of a high class diet. Some of the most interesting plant remains are only present in sewage in very small numbers, so large samples need to be examined before they have much chance of being found.
Drink also seems likely to leave identifiable traces, such as remains of plants used in brewing like hops and bog myrtle. . . Some plants whose flowers were consumed, like borage and mallow, are also detectable by pollen analysis." p. 50-51

- James Greig, "Garderobes, Sewers, Cesspits and Latrines," Current Archaeology 8:2, 49-52.

Comments

I resemble that remark!

[amazon-42.livejournal.com]

The zombies will go away tomorrow. We promise.

DON'T we, Robin??