Preliminary Findings on Agricultural History of Ancient Tripolis on the Maeander (Denizli - SW Turkey) in the Roman Period

摘要

The ancient city of Tripolis is located within the town of Yenicekent in Buldan district of Denizli Province in southwest Anatolia [1]. In this study, we shall demonstrate the different dimensions of archaeological landscapes using the case of Tripolis, based on both mythological and biological features of some selected plants widely used for domestication and agricultural trades. For these purposes, some seed remains found at Tripolis and some plant motifs depicted in wall paintings are studied from the agricultural perspective. Additionally, olive and grape production in Tripolis and its vicinity is explored in past and today. Large quantities of Olea europea L. (olive), Vitis vinifera L. (grape) and some grains were found at the excavation site indicating the storage of agricultural surplus. We also found many different biological figures on the walls of buildings and some other ruins excavated. The findings in the area support the view that the agricultural economy of the region depended on olives, grapes and grains.