Krounovka 1 - the site of the first farmers in Primorye: what did ancient starch tell us about

The earliest evidence of the first farmers’ presence in Primorye was found at the Krounovka 1 site and was dated to 5300-4600 years ago. The analysis of stone artifacts to check content of starch and flotation found that the occupants of this site consumed domesticated gramineous plants and wild plants. To enlarge the list of sources, we examined ceramic vessels of the first farmers using an ancient starch analysis. The esults confirmed the earlier data and the list of plants was enlarged to include ferns. The first farmers practiced cultivation of at least three plant species (foxtail millet, broomcorn millet, and perilla) and also gathered a wide range of wild species (bulbs of lilies, plants with underground storage organs, acorns, nuts and grapes). By applying a comprehensive analysis of data on ecology, agricultural methods and ethnobotany, the authors offer a partial reconstruction of seasonal operations related to gathering and agriculture.