Man-land relationships in the Wadi Tumilat of Egypt at Tell el-Maskhuta: A paleoethnobotanical perspective.

摘要

This study uses archaeological plant remains to reconstruct and interpret the cultural ecology of Tell el-Maskhuta. This site is located at the eastern end of the Wadi Tumilat in Egypt, a natural corridor linking the ancient centers of the Nile to those of the Levant. Surprisingly, the Wadi Tumilat was not occupied until the Second Intermediate Period (Middle Bronze IIA/B in Levantine chronology).; This study deals with the first two occupations of Tell el-Maskhuta, those of the Second Intermediate Period and the Saite/Persian Periods. During both periods, Egypt was ruled by foreigners based in the Nile Delta. Reconstructions of past land-use strategies based on paleoethnobotanical remains furnishes insights into the economy of Tell el-Maskhuta during these occupations and sheds light on why the wadi was not settled until these periods.; Models of ancient plant use are based on modern catchment studies, ethnography, and experimental data. These models are used to interpret carbonized botanical remains from Tell el-Maskhuta in order to reconstruct past natural environments, fuel use, diet and subsistence, agricultural strategies, and seasonality for each period of occupation.; The Second Intermediate Period materials indicate the presence of saline soils in which wheat and barley were grown, possibly as the only crops. Animal dung was the major fuel choice, suggesting (1) herds were grazed within the site catchment, and (2) that pastoralism was emphasized over agriculture.; During the Saite/Persian Periods, a canal was built linking the Nile with the Red Sea via the Wadi Tumilat. Paleoethnobotanical materials from this period suggest a year-round settlement associated with the canal. The subsistence base was broadened to include legumes and fruits, as well as cereals. The use of wood, rather than animal dung, for fuel may indicate a reduction of the pastoral component of the economy.; These results indicate two distinct land-use strategies reflecting differences in the cultural and natural environments of the Wadi Tumilat.