Frits Heinrich
Vrije Universiteit Brussel, History Department, Faculty Member
- George Mason University, Adam Smith Fellow at the Mercatus Centre, AlumnusUniversity of Groningen, Archaeology, Alumnus, and 8 moreadd
- Roman Economy, Archaeobotany, Paleobotany, Papyrology, Economic History, Roman History, and 59 moreGraeco-Roman Egypt, Agriculture, Ancient economy, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Egyptology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeological Science, Experimental Archaeology, Archaeometry, Irrigation Water Management (Archaeology), Pastoralism (Archaeology), Ethnobotany, Natural Resources, Plant Iconography, Wine in Ancient Mediterranean, Ancient Pastoralism, Ancient Trade Routes, Ancient History, Time series Econometrics, Time series analysis, Time Series, Greek and Roman History, Time-Series Analysis, Roman social and economic history, Ancient economic history, Public Buildings, Construction on Roman Public Buildings, Public construction, Anthropology, Landscape Archaeology, Archaeological Method & Theory, Mediterranean archaeology, History, Classics, Near Eastern Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Archaeology of Mediterranean Trade, Historiography, Roman Army, Roman Empire, Social Sciences, Food History, Archaeological Theory, Agricultural History, Paleoethnobotany, Evolutionary Archaeology, Origins of Agriculture, Ancient Texts, Stable Isotopes in Foodwebs, Food in antiquity, Paleoethnobotany (Anthropology), Plant domestication (Prehistoric Archaeology), Western Desert of Egypt, Roman Art, and Roman Archaeologyedit
- I am Assistant Professor (tenure track) of Ancient History, Agricultural History & Food History at the research group... moreI am Assistant Professor (tenure track) of Ancient History, Agricultural History & Food History at the research group Interdisciplinary Historical Food Studies (FOST), Department of History and at the research group Industrial Microbiology and Food Biotechnology (IMDO), Department of Bioengineering Sciences at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel. My main interests are ancient diet and nutrition and broader premodern agricultural economics, topics that I approach through a disciplinary combination of socioeconomic history, ethnoarchaeobotany, and biochemistry.edit
Complete reference: Heinrich, F.B.J., Hansen, A.M. & Ryan, P. 2024. ’’The Management of Vegetal Resources in Bronze Age Nubia’’ in: J. Budka & R Lemos (eds.) Landscape and resource management in Bronze Age Nubia. Archaeological... more
Complete reference: Heinrich, F.B.J., Hansen, A.M. & Ryan, P. 2024. ’’The Management of Vegetal Resources in Bronze Age Nubia’’ in: J. Budka & R Lemos (eds.) Landscape and resource management in Bronze Age Nubia. Archaeological perspectives on the exploitation of natural resources and the circulation of commodities in the Middle Nile. Contributions to the Archaeology of Egypt, Nubia and the Levant Volume 17. Harrassowitz Verlag, Wiesbaden. pp.143-158
Abstract:
This chapter provides an overview of the vegetal
resources of Bronze Age Nubia. After providing
a brief introduction to, and historiography of,
archaeobotanical research in Nubia, we first describe
the ecological context in which plants in Nubia grow,
and show how the complex interplay water availability,
seasonality, geology, and technology co-determine the
vegetation and the potential and nature of agriculture.
We then reflect on the management of the vegetal
resources and distinguish between taxa that naturally
occur in the environment and those that are cultivated
as crops on the fields, which were mostly introduced
to Nubia from other regions. We then continue to
discuss different practical categories of plants and
their uses (e.g., cereals, pulses, fruit trees) and reflect
on their attestation and potential use in Nubia. While
there are currently few archaeobotanical studies for
the study area and period, the results thus far attest
a diverse crop curriculum, a wide range of managed
wild plant resources, and the use of crop processing
waste as by-products that were upcycled into products
for other non-food sectors. These practices both reflect
resilience strategies and a sophisticated circular
economic system in Bronze Age Nubia.
Abstract:
This chapter provides an overview of the vegetal
resources of Bronze Age Nubia. After providing
a brief introduction to, and historiography of,
archaeobotanical research in Nubia, we first describe
the ecological context in which plants in Nubia grow,
and show how the complex interplay water availability,
seasonality, geology, and technology co-determine the
vegetation and the potential and nature of agriculture.
We then reflect on the management of the vegetal
resources and distinguish between taxa that naturally
occur in the environment and those that are cultivated
as crops on the fields, which were mostly introduced
to Nubia from other regions. We then continue to
discuss different practical categories of plants and
their uses (e.g., cereals, pulses, fruit trees) and reflect
on their attestation and potential use in Nubia. While
there are currently few archaeobotanical studies for
the study area and period, the results thus far attest
a diverse crop curriculum, a wide range of managed
wild plant resources, and the use of crop processing
waste as by-products that were upcycled into products
for other non-food sectors. These practices both reflect
resilience strategies and a sophisticated circular
economic system in Bronze Age Nubia.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Ethnobotany, Archaeobotany, Food History, Natural Resource Management, and 12 moreHistory Of Food Consumption, Agricultural History, Sudanese Archaeology, Bronze Age Interconnections (Egyptology), Ancient Nubia, History of Food, Field Crops, Palaeoethnobotany, Wild edible plants, Landscape and Land-use-history, Botany of Useful Plants, and History of Cooking and Food Culture
Over the past years, climate change has increasingly found its way into grand historical narratives, sometimes explaining the rise and fall of civilizations. In most narratives, regardless of their disposition towards the magnitude and... more
Over the past years, climate change has increasingly found its way into grand historical narratives, sometimes explaining the rise and fall of civilizations. In most narratives, regardless of their disposition towards the magnitude and extent of the societal impact of climate change, plants have received relatively little in-depth attention. This is problematic as there is often a strong oversimplification of the relationship between reconstructed climate changes and their extrapolated effects on agricultural output. In this chapter we therefore aim to provide an introduction into the complexities of climate change from the crop perspective for the historian and archaeologist. Our aim is to present a nuanced overview based on insights from current research in crop biology and agricultural science on crop responses to climate change, whilst taking into account the role of the farmer and the artificial biotope of the field, providing a framework upon which historical climate studies may draw.
Full citation:
F.B.J. Heinrich & A.M. Hansen (2021) 'A hard row to hoe. Ancient climate change from the crop perspective' in: P. Erdkamp, J.G. Manning & K. Verboven (eds.) Climate Change and Ancient Societies in Europe and the Near East. Diversity in Collapse and Resilience. Palgrave Studies in Ancient Economies. pp. 25-80.
Full citation:
F.B.J. Heinrich & A.M. Hansen (2021) 'A hard row to hoe. Ancient climate change from the crop perspective' in: P. Erdkamp, J.G. Manning & K. Verboven (eds.) Climate Change and Ancient Societies in Europe and the Near East. Diversity in Collapse and Resilience. Palgrave Studies in Ancient Economies. pp. 25-80.
Research Interests: Agronomy, Climate Change, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Plant Biology, and 13 moreFood History, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Agricultural History, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Climate Change and Environmental Archaeology, Roman agriculture, Historical Climatology, Archaeology of food, Climate history, Agronomy/crop science, Crop Science, and Carbon Isotope Discrimination
Research Interests: Egyptology, Ethnobotany, Bioarchaeology, Archaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, and 15 moreFood History, Agriculture, Nubian-Egyptian Relations, Economic archaeology, Sudanese Archaeology, Sudan, Palaeobotany, New Kingdom (Egyptology), Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Ancient economy, Ancient Nubia, Nubian studies, Ancient Food and Drink, Enviromental Archaeology, and Mud brick Architecture
Research Interests:
Research Interests: Nutrition and Dietetics, Roman History, Food and Nutrition, History Of Food Consumption, Roman Economy, and 8 moreArchaeology of food, Roman food and drink, Ancient Roman Food - Roman Anthropology, Legumes, Diet in Roman world, Human Nutrition and Dietetics, Roman Archaeology, and Pulses and Human health
Full citation: Frits Heinrich, 2017. ''Modelling Crop-Selection in Roman Italy. The Economics of Agricultural Decision Making in a Globalizing Economy'' In: T.C.A. de Haas & G.W. Tol (eds.) The Economic Integration of Roman Italy. Rural... more
Full citation:
Frits Heinrich, 2017. ''Modelling Crop-Selection in Roman Italy. The Economics of Agricultural Decision Making in a Globalizing Economy'' In: T.C.A. de Haas & G.W. Tol (eds.) The Economic Integration of Roman Italy. Rural Communities in a Globalizing World. Mnemosyne, Supplements, History and Archaeology of Classical Antiquity no. 404 Brill, Leiden (2017) pp. 141-169
Frits Heinrich, 2017. ''Modelling Crop-Selection in Roman Italy. The Economics of Agricultural Decision Making in a Globalizing Economy'' In: T.C.A. de Haas & G.W. Tol (eds.) The Economic Integration of Roman Italy. Rural Communities in a Globalizing World. Mnemosyne, Supplements, History and Archaeology of Classical Antiquity no. 404 Brill, Leiden (2017) pp. 141-169
Research Interests: Economic History, Roman History, Bioarchaeology, Archaeobotany, International Trade, and 27 moreRural History, Paleobotany, Transportation, Adam Smith, Agricultural History, Roman Economy, Roman Trade Networks, Italy, Roman Italy, Trade and consumption in Roman northern Italy, Roman agriculture, Roman food and drink, Wheat, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Salt stress tolerance in cereals, Comparative Advantage, Italian agriculture, Barley, Cereal crops, Connectivity, Roman Rural Production, Millet, Roman rural economy, Roman Archaeology, Roman and Byzantine Social and Economic History, and Roman Farming
citation: Frits Heinrich & Paul van Pelt, "Ramessidische graantransporten, landerijen en landbelastingen botanisch gekwantificeerd: Het verso van Papyrus Amiens + Baldwin" in: G. Aalbersberg, S. Boersma & M. Schepers (eds.)... more
citation: Frits Heinrich & Paul van Pelt, "Ramessidische graantransporten, landerijen
en landbelastingen botanisch gekwantificeerd: Het verso van Papyrus Amiens + Baldwin" in: G. Aalbersberg, S. Boersma & M. Schepers (eds.) Paleo-Palfenier: Met Rita van Egypte tot Ezinge. Barkhuis Publishing, Groningen. pp. 31-42.
en landbelastingen botanisch gekwantificeerd: Het verso van Papyrus Amiens + Baldwin" in: G. Aalbersberg, S. Boersma & M. Schepers (eds.) Paleo-Palfenier: Met Rita van Egypte tot Ezinge. Barkhuis Publishing, Groningen. pp. 31-42.
Research Interests: Egyptology, Near Eastern Archaeology, Papyrology, Archaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, and 13 morePaleobotany, Ancient economies (Archaeology), New Kingdom (Egyptology), Ancient economy, Egyptian Economy, Barley, Cereals, Economic Aspects of the Egyptian Temples, Ancient Egyptian Economy, Emmer Wheat, Karnak Temple, Ancient Egyptian agriculture, and Grain Storage
Research Interests: Archaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, Paleobotany, Food History, Agricultural Economics, and 10 moreAgricultural History, Bakery Products, Second Intermediate Period (Egyptology), Kharga Oasis, Ancient Egyptian History, Ancient economy, Bread, Western Desert of Egypt, Ancient Egyptian agriculture, and Bread Moulds
This introduction to the thematic issue Urban Food Cultures: Towards an Integrative Approach to the Urban Food System is an invitation to further widen the perspective of urban food culture research. The understanding of urban food... more
This introduction to the thematic issue Urban Food Cultures: Towards an Integrative Approach to the Urban Food System is an invitation to further widen the perspective of urban food culture research. The understanding of urban food cultures should start from an integrated exploration of food practices in every part of the urban food system: from food production and processing to retail and consumption and to disposal, potential circular reuse, recycling to upcycling of food and its ingredients. Investigating the different aspects of the urban food system helps nuance the too self-evident town-country and local-global dichotomies often dominant in previous research. Interdisciplinary and integrated approaches to urban food systems may help bridge both knowledge gaps and offer relevant insights for many of the future challenges urban food systems face.
Research Interests:
Contemporary views on meat reflect an ambiguous status of appreciation and rejection, especially in the urbanised West, and tend to come with strong moral overtones. The portrayal of (red) meat as an intrinsically harmful food choice by... more
Contemporary views on meat reflect an ambiguous status of appreciation and rejection, especially
in the urbanised West, and tend to come with strong moral overtones. The portrayal of
(red) meat as an intrinsically harmful food choice by certain academics, non-governmental
organisations, mass media, and public-private partnerships contributes to this tension. Although
most of these voices are merely calling for a moderation of the consumption of meat in areas
with high intake, others are radical and demand a drastic reduction or even elimination, as will
be documented in this article. Some scientists are beginning to articulate their concern about
an ongoing trend towards unbalanced communications and anti-meat militancy in both academic
and policy circles. The perceived threat is not only that the vilification of meat may add
to the ongoing moralisation of dietary choices and societal polarisation, but also that it may further
undermine an already precarious situation of public health and a fragile food system, especially
(but not only) in the Global South. Minimising livestock may also come with unintended
harmful effects on ecosystems and livelihoods. The ‘Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the
Societal Role of Livestock’, issued in October 2022, exemplifies such concern. Together with the
body of evidence to which it refers, the Dublin Declaration is to be read as a petition for pragmatism,
demanding sufficiently high standards of evidence, and more respect for the principle
of caution when it comes to policies that have the intention to severely challenge the role of
meat and other animal source foods in future diets.
HIGHLIGHTS
There is an ongoing trend towards unbalanced communications and anti-meat militancy in
media and academic and policy circles
Minimising livestock beyond a critical threshold may come with unintended harmful effects
on nutrient security, ecosystems, and livelihoods
The ‘Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock’ serves as petition for
pragmatism, caution, and evidence-based policies
in the urbanised West, and tend to come with strong moral overtones. The portrayal of
(red) meat as an intrinsically harmful food choice by certain academics, non-governmental
organisations, mass media, and public-private partnerships contributes to this tension. Although
most of these voices are merely calling for a moderation of the consumption of meat in areas
with high intake, others are radical and demand a drastic reduction or even elimination, as will
be documented in this article. Some scientists are beginning to articulate their concern about
an ongoing trend towards unbalanced communications and anti-meat militancy in both academic
and policy circles. The perceived threat is not only that the vilification of meat may add
to the ongoing moralisation of dietary choices and societal polarisation, but also that it may further
undermine an already precarious situation of public health and a fragile food system, especially
(but not only) in the Global South. Minimising livestock may also come with unintended
harmful effects on ecosystems and livelihoods. The ‘Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the
Societal Role of Livestock’, issued in October 2022, exemplifies such concern. Together with the
body of evidence to which it refers, the Dublin Declaration is to be read as a petition for pragmatism,
demanding sufficiently high standards of evidence, and more respect for the principle
of caution when it comes to policies that have the intention to severely challenge the role of
meat and other animal source foods in future diets.
HIGHLIGHTS
There is an ongoing trend towards unbalanced communications and anti-meat militancy in
media and academic and policy circles
Minimising livestock beyond a critical threshold may come with unintended harmful effects
on nutrient security, ecosystems, and livelihoods
The ‘Dublin Declaration of Scientists on the Societal Role of Livestock’ serves as petition for
pragmatism, caution, and evidence-based policies
Research Interests:
Full citation: Zocchi, D.M., Bondioli, C., Hosseini, S.H., Miara, D.J., Musarella, C.M., Mohammadi, D., Manduzai, A.K., Issa, K.D., Sulaiman, N., Khatib, C., Ahmed, H.M., Faraj, T.A., Amin, H.I.M., Hussain, F.H.S, Faiz, A., Pasqualone,... more
Full citation:
Zocchi, D.M., Bondioli, C., Hosseini, S.H., Miara, D.J., Musarella, C.M., Mohammadi, D., Manduzai, A.K., Issa, K.D., Sulaiman, N., Khatib, C., Ahmed, H.M., Faraj, T.A., Amin, H.I.M., Hussain, F.H.S, Faiz, A., Pasqualone, A., Heinrich, F., Fontefrancesco, M.F., & Pieroni, A. ''Food Security beyond Cereals: A Cross-Geographical Comparative Study on Acorn Bread Heritage in the Mediterranean and the Middle East'' in: Foods, vol. 11., article 3898 (pp.1-39).
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233898
Zocchi, D.M., Bondioli, C., Hosseini, S.H., Miara, D.J., Musarella, C.M., Mohammadi, D., Manduzai, A.K., Issa, K.D., Sulaiman, N., Khatib, C., Ahmed, H.M., Faraj, T.A., Amin, H.I.M., Hussain, F.H.S, Faiz, A., Pasqualone, A., Heinrich, F., Fontefrancesco, M.F., & Pieroni, A. ''Food Security beyond Cereals: A Cross-Geographical Comparative Study on Acorn Bread Heritage in the Mediterranean and the Middle East'' in: Foods, vol. 11., article 3898 (pp.1-39).
https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11233898
Research Interests:
This brief contribution uses archaeobotanical data to quantify the edible weight and energetic value of a khar of emmer wheat and a khar of barley. It then combines these data with emmer and barley prices from late New Kingdom Deir... more
This brief contribution uses archaeobotanical data to quantify the edible weight and energetic value of a khar of emmer wheat and
a khar of barley. It then combines these data with emmer and barley prices from late New Kingdom Deir el-Medina to argue that,
contrary to conventional wisdom, emmer wheat was more expensive per calorie than barley during most of this period. It furthermore
argues that emmer wheat and barley were delivered to the workers in almost equal quantities.
a khar of barley. It then combines these data with emmer and barley prices from late New Kingdom Deir el-Medina to argue that,
contrary to conventional wisdom, emmer wheat was more expensive per calorie than barley during most of this period. It furthermore
argues that emmer wheat and barley were delivered to the workers in almost equal quantities.
Research Interests: Economic History, Egyptology, Papyrology, Archaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, and 14 morePaleobotany, Quantitative Methods, Economic archaeology, Hieratic, New Kingdom (Egyptology), Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Ancient Egyptian History, Ramesside Period, Deir el-Medina, Quantitative History, Documentary Papyrology, Ancient Egyptian Economy, Transport in Ancient Egypt, and Ancient Egyptian agriculture
A.M. Hansen, B.J. Walker, F.B.J. Heinrich. Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017): pp. 58-69. In this paper we present the results of the archaeobotanical analysis of impressions of plant remains encountered in the profile... more
A.M. Hansen, B.J. Walker, F.B.J. Heinrich. Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017): pp. 58-69.
In this paper we present the results of the archaeobotanical analysis of impressions of plant remains encountered in the
profile and on the surface of clay fragments of ṭāwabīn. The fragments originate from Mamluk contexts at the site of
Tall Hisban located in southern Bilad as-Sham (modern Jordan and Palestine). This study models the formation process
of the botanical component of the ṭābūn as a context and explores the underlying processes explaining the presence of
the different kinds of impressions. After providing a description of the ṭābūn and consulting historical and ethnographic
descriptions, we present our model and interpret the results of the archaeobotanical analysis through it. Furthermore,
the archaeobotanical data obtained from the analysis of ṭābūn fragments helps contribute to the knowledge of the Tall
Hisban food economy. The importance of barley at the site during this period is not only reflected through ṭābūn fragments,
but more importantly are proxies for economic activities in the village.
In this paper we present the results of the archaeobotanical analysis of impressions of plant remains encountered in the
profile and on the surface of clay fragments of ṭāwabīn. The fragments originate from Mamluk contexts at the site of
Tall Hisban located in southern Bilad as-Sham (modern Jordan and Palestine). This study models the formation process
of the botanical component of the ṭābūn as a context and explores the underlying processes explaining the presence of
the different kinds of impressions. After providing a description of the ṭābūn and consulting historical and ethnographic
descriptions, we present our model and interpret the results of the archaeobotanical analysis through it. Furthermore,
the archaeobotanical data obtained from the analysis of ṭābūn fragments helps contribute to the knowledge of the Tall
Hisban food economy. The importance of barley at the site during this period is not only reflected through ṭābūn fragments,
but more importantly are proxies for economic activities in the village.
Research Interests: Economic History, Near Eastern Archaeology, Islamic Archaeology, Archaeobotany, Paleobotany, and 11 moreFood History, Agricultural Economics, Medieval Archaeology, History Of Food Consumption, Food Studies, Cereal Processing Technology, Mamluk Archaeology, Archaeology of Jordan, History of Agriculture, Bread Ovens, and History of Cooking and Food Culture
Among classicists, archaeobotanists and agricultural historians, the meaning of the word phasolus (ϕασηλος in Greek) is ambiguous. While Latin scholars have agreed that the word refers to a type of pulse or bean, there are various... more
Among classicists, archaeobotanists and agricultural historians, the meaning of the word phasolus (ϕασηλος
in Greek) is ambiguous. While Latin scholars have agreed that the word refers to a type of pulse or bean, there are various interpretations and subsequent identifications as to which botanical species is meant. The current paper aims to address this ambiguity by assessing the validity of the proposed interpretations. This will be done on three levels. First, the a priori feasibility of the interpretations will be ascertained. Second, all classical mentions of phasolus, both in Greek and Latin, will be reviewed and analysed. The aim of this step is to find what biological traits and characteristics were associated with phasolus, which may aid in confirming or rebuking an identification. Thirdly, we will assess the archaeobotanical evidence pertaining to the proposed interpretations for the Roman period. This paper includes the assessment of several classical sources previously absent from the debate as well as a new botanical identification of a key archaeobotanical
sample previously used to prove the presence of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the Mediterranean during Antiquity.
in Greek) is ambiguous. While Latin scholars have agreed that the word refers to a type of pulse or bean, there are various interpretations and subsequent identifications as to which botanical species is meant. The current paper aims to address this ambiguity by assessing the validity of the proposed interpretations. This will be done on three levels. First, the a priori feasibility of the interpretations will be ascertained. Second, all classical mentions of phasolus, both in Greek and Latin, will be reviewed and analysed. The aim of this step is to find what biological traits and characteristics were associated with phasolus, which may aid in confirming or rebuking an identification. Thirdly, we will assess the archaeobotanical evidence pertaining to the proposed interpretations for the Roman period. This paper includes the assessment of several classical sources previously absent from the debate as well as a new botanical identification of a key archaeobotanical
sample previously used to prove the presence of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) in the Mediterranean during Antiquity.
Research Interests: Philology, Classics, Greek Literature, Latin Literature, Roman History, and 25 moreArchaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, Food History, History Of Food Consumption, Classical philology, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Ancient Greek History, Palaeobotany, Roman Italy, History of Food, Roman agriculture, Roman food and drink, Classics: Ancient History and Archaeology, Ancient Roman Food - Roman Anthropology, Greek Archaeology, Food history, Landscape archaeology, Ancient Greek Literature, Classical Philology, Vigna, Ancient Greek Agriculture, Vicia faba, Fabaceae, Vigna Radiata, Egyptian archaeobotany, Vigna Unguiculata Sesquipedalis, History of Cooking and Food Culture, and Phaseolus Beans
F.B.J. Heinrich & W.P. van Pelt, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017) 1-12 For a good understanding of ancient food economies, quantitative data are indispensable. Quantitative data on variables such as income, taxes and... more
F.B.J. Heinrich & W.P. van Pelt, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017) 1-12
For a good understanding of ancient food economies, quantitative data are indispensable. Quantitative data on variables
such as income, taxes and food prices can aid us in reconstructing living standards, socioeconomic inequality and economic
performance in past societies, and even allow comparisons through time and space. This contribution quantifies
data on grain shipments and sailors’ rations from the recto of P. Amiens + P. Baldwin (Ramesside period, mid-20th
Dynasty). The text records the transport of grain by a fleet of 21 cargo vessels belonging to the temple of Amen-Re at
Karnak that was supplied by various domains. This paper quantifies the volume, weight, edible weight and corresponding
energetic value of the cargo and calculates the minimum size of the domains and number of individuals that could
be fed with these grain deliveries. The rations of the sailors are also quantified and compared with wages and prices
from Deir el Medina. This paper also demonstrates that, contrary to common scholarly opinion, emmer wheat was more
expensive than barley during the Ramesside period.
For a good understanding of ancient food economies, quantitative data are indispensable. Quantitative data on variables
such as income, taxes and food prices can aid us in reconstructing living standards, socioeconomic inequality and economic
performance in past societies, and even allow comparisons through time and space. This contribution quantifies
data on grain shipments and sailors’ rations from the recto of P. Amiens + P. Baldwin (Ramesside period, mid-20th
Dynasty). The text records the transport of grain by a fleet of 21 cargo vessels belonging to the temple of Amen-Re at
Karnak that was supplied by various domains. This paper quantifies the volume, weight, edible weight and corresponding
energetic value of the cargo and calculates the minimum size of the domains and number of individuals that could
be fed with these grain deliveries. The rations of the sailors are also quantified and compared with wages and prices
from Deir el Medina. This paper also demonstrates that, contrary to common scholarly opinion, emmer wheat was more
expensive than barley during the Ramesside period.
Research Interests: Egyptology, Papyrology, Archaeobotany, Transport History, Maritime History, and 17 morePaleobotany, Agricultural Economics, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Real Estate/Land Taxation, Agricultural History, Hieratic, Quantitative methods (Archaeology), Ramesside Period, Ancient Egypt, Agricultural Productivity, Wheat, Barley, Cereals, Diet and Nutrition, Documentary Papyrology, Prices and wages History, and Emmer Wheat
F.B.J. Heinrich & M. Hondelink, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie, 56 (2017) 22-31. This paper aims to assess the accessibility of pepper to average Roman consumers in terms of price by quantifying the cost of ‘meaningful’... more
F.B.J. Heinrich & M. Hondelink, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie, 56 (2017) 22-31.
This paper aims to assess the accessibility of pepper to average Roman consumers in terms of price by quantifying
the cost of ‘meaningful’ culinary pepper consumption. To this end, by performing measurements on modern pepper
samples, we first quantify Roman pepper prices and units of measurement more concretely. What was the cost of a
peppercorn, and how many were there to the libra and other units? We then define and quantify ‘meaningful’ pepper
consumption using modern consumption statistics and cooking data. Subsequently we compare these data to Roman
incomes. We show that, if only looking at price, regular culinary pepper consumption would even have been possible
for lower income consumers.
In addition, we also used our method to quantify the value of amounts of pepper in literary sources and archaeological
finds. We look in more detail at Apicius’ De Re Coquinaria, which features many recipes with infeasibly high
quantities of pepper. We show that in most recipes where the amount of pepper is explicitly quantified and large, whole
peppercorns instead of ground pepper was used. We show that this excessive yet inefficient usage of pepper as ‘garnish’
is a form of conspicuous consumption. We argue this may be a response to normal, efficient pepper use, becoming too
commonplace and not distinctive enough for elites. We also explore the price difference between the different types of
pepper the Romans consumed. We explain these differences from the perspective of production cost through assessing
traditional production processes and agronomic statistics.
This paper aims to assess the accessibility of pepper to average Roman consumers in terms of price by quantifying
the cost of ‘meaningful’ culinary pepper consumption. To this end, by performing measurements on modern pepper
samples, we first quantify Roman pepper prices and units of measurement more concretely. What was the cost of a
peppercorn, and how many were there to the libra and other units? We then define and quantify ‘meaningful’ pepper
consumption using modern consumption statistics and cooking data. Subsequently we compare these data to Roman
incomes. We show that, if only looking at price, regular culinary pepper consumption would even have been possible
for lower income consumers.
In addition, we also used our method to quantify the value of amounts of pepper in literary sources and archaeological
finds. We look in more detail at Apicius’ De Re Coquinaria, which features many recipes with infeasibly high
quantities of pepper. We show that in most recipes where the amount of pepper is explicitly quantified and large, whole
peppercorns instead of ground pepper was used. We show that this excessive yet inefficient usage of pepper as ‘garnish’
is a form of conspicuous consumption. We argue this may be a response to normal, efficient pepper use, becoming too
commonplace and not distinctive enough for elites. We also explore the price difference between the different types of
pepper the Romans consumed. We explain these differences from the perspective of production cost through assessing
traditional production processes and agronomic statistics.
Research Interests: Archaeobotany, Paleobotany, Food History, Agricultural Economics, Roman Economy, and 9 moreQuantitative methods (Archaeology), Archaeology of food, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Roman Trade in the Indian Ocean, Black Pepper, Experimental Roman Cooking, Roman Archaeology, History of Cooking and Food Culture, and Prices In the Roman World
F.B.J. Heinrich & A.M. Hansen, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017), iv
Research Interests: Ancient History, Economic History, Papyrology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, and 27 morePaleobotany, Archaeozoology, Food History, Agricultural Economics, Medieval Archaeology, Pompeii (Archaeology), Iron Age Greece (Archaeology), Roman Economy, Hieratic, Charcoal analysis (Archaeology), Quantitative methods (Archaeology), Famine Studies, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Ramesside Period, Roman Italy, Ancient Egypt, Cereal Processing Technology, Archaeology of food, Chicken, Roman Trade in the Indian Ocean, Archaeology of Jordan, Black Pepper, Cereals, Vine and Wines History, Woodland archaeology and fuel production, charcoal and whitecoal, Roman Archaeology, and Hunger and development
F.B.J. Heinrich & A.M. Hansen, Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017) iii
Research Interests: Ancient History, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Paleobotany, Archaeozoology, and 20 moreMamluk Studies, Food History, Medieval Archaeology, Pompeii (Archaeology), Medieval Italy, Hieratic, Charcoal analysis (Archaeology), Mediterranean archaeology, Famine Studies, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Ramesside Period, Roman Italy, Ancient Egypt, Archaeology of food, Roman Trade in the Indian Ocean, Archaeology of Jordan, Black Pepper, Vine and Wines History, Woodland archaeology and fuel production, charcoal and whitecoal, and Roman Archaeology
The archaeobotanical remains of an 18th-century cesspit from Tiel (province of Gelderland, The Netherlands) have been analyzed on the level of the energetic value by combining the number of sub-fossil seeds per species, the weight of the... more
The archaeobotanical remains of an 18th-century cesspit from Tiel (province of Gelderland, The Netherlands) have been analyzed on the level of the energetic value by combining the number of sub-fossil seeds per species, the weight of the fruit and the energetic value per 100 g weight of the fruit. Food items that represent the highest energy intake are grape (or raisin or currant), fig, plum and cherry. Depending on the method of food preparation, seeds usually end up in the cesspit as kitchen waste or as night soil. The data is biased, however, since kitchen waste may also be dumped elsewhere. Since 18th-century meals are known to have mainly consisted of bread, dairy products, potatoes, bacon, legumes and soups, it is assumed that most of the recovered species served to flavor or garnish dishes.
Research Interests: Economic History, Botany, Paleobiology, Food Science, Ethnobotany, and 34 moreArchaeobotany, Sociology of Food and Eating, Urbanism (Archaeology), Anthropology of Food, Paleobotany, Local food, Food History, Agricultural Economics, Food, Food and Nutrition, Food Production, History Of Food Consumption, 18th & 19th Centuries, Food Chemistry, Food Consumption (Anthropology), Agricultural History, Agriculture and Food Studies, Urban archaeology, Food Science and Technology, Food Security, Arqueología, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Modern archaeology, Food Studies, History of Food, Sustainable Food Systems, Dutch archaeology, Prehistoria, Paleobotany; Paleontology; Paleoecology, PALEOBOTANICA, PALEOXILOLOGIA, PALEOECOLOGIA, Paleobotánica, Cess Pits, Economics of food security, and Hunger and development
This article deals with public constructions in Roman Africa (between 50 B.C. and A.D. 425) from an economic-archaeological and conjectural perspective. Economic archaeologists and historians are always interested in conjectures of past... more
This article deals with public constructions in Roman Africa (between 50 B.C. and A.D. 425) from an economic-archaeological and conjectural perspective. Economic archaeologists and historians are always interested in conjectures of past production and consumption as to gain insights into the structure, scale and degree of successfulness of the ancient economy and its changes through time. As to reconstruct such a conjecture, the author has chronologically ordered all instances of public constructions from a large dataset by Hélène Jouffroy (Jouffroy, 1986). This he could do, due to some methodological improvements, with greater precision and far more data than was possible in previous assessments of the same dataset by others. In his article the author describes and interprets the reconstructed curves of both the African construction volumes and the changes in the total stock of public buildings. An increase in the African construction volumes starts to be significant from the late first century A.D. on, reaching a peak in the mid-second century; after a short period of moderation an absolute zenith is reached during the reign of Septimus Severus. Then, after the Severian period, the African construction volumes plunge into what seems to be the Third Century Crisis. , A new high-tide initiates during the late fourth century however; thereafter there’s but a steep decline. Interestingly an absolute zenith in the total stock of buildings is reached at the height of the construction volume ‘crisis’. Lastly, the author compares the results presented in this article with those that were recently published on public constructions in Roman Italy in his contribution to TMA 45, titled Public Constructions in Roman Italy (225 B.C. – A.D. 425) a conjectural approach.
Research Interests: Economic History, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Roman History, Time Series, and 15 moreAncient economies (Archaeology), Time series Econometrics, Time-Series Analysis, Roman Economy, Time series analysis, Ancient economy, Roman social and economic history, Greek and Roman History, Colonization studies, Roman trade, commerce and the economy, Ancient economic history, Maritime Studies, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Construction on Roman Public Buildings, and Roman Archaeology
Socioeconomic archaeologists and historians are often interested in the reconstruction of conjectures of past production and consumption, as such conjectures may provide us with better insights into the structure, scale and nature of the... more
Socioeconomic archaeologists and historians are often interested in the reconstruction of conjectures of past production and consumption, as such conjectures may provide us with better insights into the structure, scale and nature of the ancient economy and inform us about levels of prosperity. In this article the author has teamed up with this school of thought, and has constructed a conjecture of public constructions in Roman Italy for the period between 225 BC and AD 425. The reconstruction of this conjecture was essentially achieved by placing many (dated) occurrences of public constructions from a large dataset by Hélène Jouffroy (Jouffroy 1986) in a chronological order. Because of some methodological improvements such a thing could be done with far greater precision and much more data than in past assessments of the data by, amongst others, Hélène Jouffroy and Richard Duncan Jones (Duncan Jones 1974;1990). In addition the author discusses and counters various possible biases in both the data and his method and presents the reader with some interpretative concepts, most notably ‘the temporality of consumption’. Though a conjectural approach from its outset is economic, the author interprets his results not solely from an economic perspective but firstly from within the socio-cultural and political context of euergetism. In his article Frits Heinrich shows that the number of new public constructions in Italy reached its zenith during Augustus’ reign, while the enjoyment of the services public buildings offered may have been greatest during the reign of Antoninus Pius. He furthermore shows, as far as public constructions are concerned, that that which is usually referred to as the ‘third century crisis’ seems to commence as early as the second half of the second century A.D.
Research Interests: Economic History, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Roman History, Time Series, and 14 moreAncient economies (Archaeology), Time series Econometrics, Time-Series Analysis, Roman Economy, Time series analysis, Ancient economy, Roman social and economic history, Roman trade, commerce and the economy, Ancient economic history, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Public Buildings, Construction on Roman Public Buildings, Roman Archaeology, and Public construction
Full citation: Hansen, A.M. & F.B.J. Heinrich (2021) 'Double book review: The Villages of the Fayyum: A Thirteenth-Century Register of Rural, Islamic Egypt & Rural Economy and Tribal Society in Islamic Egypt. A Study of al-Nābulusī’s... more
Full citation: Hansen, A.M. & F.B.J. Heinrich (2021) 'Double book review: The Villages of the Fayyum: A Thirteenth-Century Register of Rural, Islamic Egypt & Rural Economy and Tribal Society in Islamic Egypt. A Study of al-Nābulusī’s Villages of the Fayyum', Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 65: pp. 36-41.
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Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie, no. 62, pp. 77-79 (2020)
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Book review in Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie, no. 58, 2018 pp. 51-53
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in: Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie 56 (2017); 84-85
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Research Interests: Economic History, Roman History, Environmental Archaeology, Landscape Archaeology, Environmental History, and 10 moreEgyptian Archaeology, Social History, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Greek Papyrology, Roman Egypt, Roman agriculture, River Basin Management, Nile River Basin, Landscape and Land-use-history, and Roman Archaeology
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Research Interests: Ancient History, Economic History, Roman History, Historical Demography, Transport History, and 11 moreRoman Economy, Roman Trade Networks, Archaeology of Mediterranean Trade, Roman agriculture, Roman Urbanism, Roman trade, commerce and the economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Roman Demography, Roman Rural Production, Roman Slavery, and Roman Archaeology
Review by Frits Heinrich
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Lecture deliverd at the 25th EAA conference in Bern, September 4-7, 2019 in the session 'Crop husbandry across the Iron Age and Roman Periods: Bringing together the picture of human crop interaction across Europe.'
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Paper at the EAA 2018 Barcelona session 'Trade and circulation of animals and plants in the Mediterranean Basin through time: New Bioarchaeological Insights' (080918)
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13-04-2018 RAC/TRAC 2018 Edinburgh
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Abstract: Cereals generally receive a bad review from archaeologists and historians who model Roman diet and nutrition. Their alleged centrality in the diet, the absence of or deficiency in certain micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc)... more
Abstract: Cereals generally receive a bad review from archaeologists and historians who model Roman diet and nutrition. Their alleged centrality in the diet, the absence of or deficiency in certain micronutrients (vitamin A, iron, zinc) and the abundance of antinutrients (e.g. phytate) gave them the reputation of inferior foodstuffs. Peter Garnsey, for instance, in his Food and Society in Classical Antiquity, implicitly painted the picture that the centrality of cereals in the ancient diet helped cause endemic, chronic malnutrition and a subsequent array of diseases (Garnsey, 1999). Those with a more optimistic view on Roman diet and nutrition, however, did nothing to exonerate cereals, but instead argued for a greater of role for animal protein in the diet. This paper questions the validity of the negative appraisal of cereals. Using recent insights in cereal biochemistry and a critical assessment of the changes in cereal cultivation since the Green Revolution of the mid-20th century, it is argued that there are significant biochemical, and hence nutritional, differences between Ancient and Modern cereals. Furthermore, it is argued that changes in the economics of cereal production following the Green Revolution greatly affected their role in the diet. Therefore, the pessimistic assessment of the role of cereals in Roman diet and nutrition, on grounds of being at least in part anachronistic, needs to be re-evaluated.
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"F.B.J. Heinrich & R.T.J. Cappers
(Groningen University)
(Groningen University)
Research Interests: Economic History, Foodways (Anthropology), Archaeobotany, Paleobotany, Food History, and 20 morePaleoecology, Agricultural Economics, Agriculture, Egypt, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Agrarian History, Agricultural History, Predynastic and Early Dynastic Egypt, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Roman Egypt, Ancient economy, Ancient animal husbandry and agriculture, Ancient Egypt, Cereal Processing Technology, Roman agriculture, Ancient Agriculture, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Ancient Farming Practices, and Ancient Egyptian agriculture
Abstract will be uploaded shortly.
Research Interests: Economic History, Paleobiology, Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Archaeology, and 64 moreClassical Archaeology, Geochemistry, Human Evolution, Roman History, Agronomy, Ethnobotany, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Paleoclimatology, Agroecology, Sustainable agriculture, Paleobotany, Food History, Agricultural Economics, Palynology, Stable Isotopes, Stable Isotope Geochemistry, Food Production, Biostratigraphy, History Of Food Consumption, Origins of Agriculture, Palaeoecology, Archaeological Theory, Agricultural History, Palynology, Plant Macrofossils, Roman social history, Organic, Local & Sustainable Farming, Roman Economy, Palaeontology, Food Processing, Roman Trade Networks, Palaeobotany, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Stable Isotopes in Foodwebs, Animal Husbandry, Arqueología, Ancient economy, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, Roman social and economic history, Archeobotany, Roman agriculture, Greek and Roman History, palaeoecology, palynology, Quaternary, archaeobotany, Colonization studies, Roman food and drink, Fishing, Roman trade, commerce and the economy, Ancient Landscapes, Prehistoria, Ancient Agriculture, Maritime Studies, Roman Art, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Fish Farming, Pre-Roman Italy, Palaeoethnobotany, Paleobotany; Paleontology; Paleoecology, Ancient Farming Practices, Campania, Paleobotánica, Roman Archaeology, Mediterranean Environment and Ecology, Ancient Land use, and Paleopsychology
Abstract will appear shortly.
Research Interests: Economic History, Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Human Evolution, Stable isotope ecology, and 54 moreStable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Paleoclimatology, Archaeological Science, Paleobotany, Paleoecology, Agricultural Economics, Stable Isotopes, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Agriculture, Iron Age Britain (Archaeology), Origins of Agriculture, Archaeometry, Roman Britain, Archaeological Theory, Roman Economy, Nutrient Cycling, Stable Isotopes in Foodwebs, Animal Husbandry, Ancient economy, Iron Age, Roman Provincial Archaeology, Roman agriculture, Greek and Roman History, Romano-British history and archaeology, Colonization studies, Fishing, Ancient Landscapes, Ancient Agriculture, Maritime Studies, British archaeology iron Age, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Stable Isotopes and Palaeoenvironment, Stable Isotopes and Palaeodiet, Thames Valley, Fish Farming, Pre-Roman Italy, Soil Fertility, Nitrogen Stable Isotopes, Paleobotany; Paleontology; Paleoecology, Romano-British rural settlement, Campania, Historical agricultural practices, Ecological Agriculture, Stable Carbon Isotopes, Soil Plant Interactions, Crop Nutrition, Rice wheat Cropping System, Zinc & Iron Agronomic Biofortification of Major Cereal Crops, Mediterranean Environment and Ecology, Ancient Land use, and Paleopsychology
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Will be added shortly
Research Interests: Ancient History, Archaeology, Egyptology, Experimental Archaeology, Archaeobotany, and 45 moreTraditional and subsistence agriculture, Egyptian Archaeology, Food Engineering, Paleobotany, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Agriculture, History Of Food Consumption, Egypt, Food Consumption (Anthropology), Alternative models of Agricultural economy, Agricultural History, Archaeology of Beer and Cereal Fermentation, Agriculture and Food Studies, Second Intermediate Period (Egyptology), Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Kharga Oasis, Ancient Egyptian History, Ancient economy, Post Harvest Technology, Bread, Sustainable Resource Management, Bread History, Oasis, Salt stress tolerance in cereals, Western Desert of Egypt, Cereal Technology, Soil Fertility, Egyptian oases, Paleobotany; Paleontology; Paleoecology, Cereal Crop Production and Food Security, Crop Processing and Storage, Ecological Agriculture, Egyptian archaeobotany, Ancient Egyptian agriculture, Egyptian Oasis and Caravan Routes, Household Food Security, Low cost Resource Saving High output Agricultural Technologies, Global Warming/environment and Sustainable Livelihood Technologies, Indigenous Rural Innovations/technologies, Neem Tree and Its Derivatives, Crop Nutrition, Rice wheat Cropping System, and Zinc & Iron Agronomic Biofortification of Major Cereal Crops
Abstract will appear shortly.
Research Interests: Human Evolution, Roman History, Stable isotope ecology, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, and 36 morePaleoclimatology, Archaeological Science, Agricultural Development, Paleobotany, Agricultural Economics, Stable Isotopes, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Origins of Agriculture, Archaeometry, Roman Britain, Archaeological Theory, Roman Economy, Economic archaeology, Animal Husbandry, Ancient economy, Roman agriculture, Fishing, Ancient Landscapes, Ancient Agriculture, Stable isotope Carbon Nitrogen Diet Roman/ Late Iron Age Britain, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Fish Farming, Pre-Roman Italy, Soil Fertility, Nitrogen Stable Isotopes, Campania, Manure, Ecological Agriculture, Stable Carbon Isotopes, Crop Nutrition, Rice wheat Cropping System, Zinc & Iron Agronomic Biofortification of Major Cereal Crops, Mediterranean Environment and Ecology, Ancient Land use, and Paleopsychology
Abstract will appear shortly.
Research Interests: Egyptology, Human Evolution, Roman History, Papyrology, Archaeobotany, and 26 morePaleoclimatology, Egyptian Archaeology, Paleobotany, Agriculture, Origins of Agriculture, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Archaeological Theory, Greek Papyrology, Roman Economy, Animal Husbandry, Ancient economy, Roman agriculture, Fishing, Ancient Landscapes, Ancient Agriculture, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Fish Farming, Pre-Roman Italy, Fayum; Fayyum; Arsinoite nome, Campania, Karanis, Roman Archaeology, Mediterranean Environment and Ecology, Ancient Land use, and Paleopsychology
Research Interests: Economic History, Classical Archaeology, Roman History, Time Series, Ancient economies (Archaeology), and 11 moreTime series Econometrics, Time-Series Analysis, Roman Economy, Economic archaeology, Time series analysis, Roman social and economic history, Greek and Roman History, Colonization studies, Maritime Studies, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, and Roman Archaeology
Research Interests: Economic History, Classical Archaeology, Roman History, Time Series, Ancient economies (Archaeology), and 12 moreTime series Econometrics, Time-Series Analysis, Roman Economy, Economic archaeology, Time series analysis, Ancient economy, Roman social and economic history, Greek and Roman History, Colonization studies, Maritime Studies, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, and Roman Archaeology
Among classicists, archaeobotanists and agricultural historians, the meaning of the word phasolus (ϕασηλος in Greek) is ambiguous. While Latin scholars have agreed that the word refers to a type of pulse or bean, there are various... more
Among classicists, archaeobotanists and agricultural historians, the meaning of the word phasolus (ϕασηλος in Greek) is ambiguous. While Latin scholars have agreed that the word refers to a type of pulse or bean, there are various interpretations and subsequent identifications as to which botanical species is meant. The current paper aims to address this ambiguity by assessing the validity of the proposed interpretations. This will be done on three levels. First, the a priori feasibility of the interpretations will be ascertained. Second, all classical mentions of phasolus, both in Greek and Latin, will be reviewed and analysed. The aim of this step is to find what biological traits and characteristics were associated with phasolus, which may aid in confirming or rebuking an identification. Thirdly, we will assess the archaeobotanical evidence pertaining to the proposed interpretations for the Roman period. This paper includes the assessment of several classical sources previously a...
Research Interests: Engineering, Philology, Classics, Greek Literature, Latin Literature, and 15 moreArchaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, Food History, History Of Food Consumption, Classical philology, Ancient Greek History, Palaeobotany, History of Food, Ambiguity, Ancient Greek Agriculture, Fabaceae, Egyptian archaeobotany, Classical Philology, History of Cooking and Food Culture, and Phaseolus Beans
Research Interests: History, Nutrition, US, Food, Health, and 6 moreHunger, Growth, Malnutrition, Child Malnutrition, Anachronism, and Wheat Grain
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This article aims to contribute to the limited literature on traditional gastronomic knowledge concerning acorn-based bread by ethnographically documenting the ingredients, preparation techniques and consumption practices of baked goods... more
This article aims to contribute to the limited literature on traditional gastronomic knowledge concerning acorn-based bread by ethnographically documenting the ingredients, preparation techniques and consumption practices of baked goods made from acorn seeds and flour that are still used today or at least still present in living memory. A qualitative comparative case method was adopted, and ethnographic data were gathered from 67 people in six selected Mediterranean, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The analysis highlighted distinct trajectories in the development of acorn-based bread, showing some differences in terms of ingredients, preparation techniques and baking methods in the two cultural and geographical macro-regions. By exploring the evolution of the alimentary role of acorn bread in the past century, our findings also support the hypothesis that the product, at least during the last two centuries, has mostly been used as a famine food. By acknowledging the cult...
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17 APRIL 2023, 1 to 6 p.m. Salle Solvay, Buidling NO, 5th floor, Campus de la Plaine, Université Libre de Bruxelles (MS TEAMS available)
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This article aims to contribute to the limited literature on traditional gastronomic knowledge concerning acorn-based bread by ethnographically documenting the ingredients, preparation techniques and consumption practices of baked goods... more
This article aims to contribute to the limited literature on traditional gastronomic knowledge concerning acorn-based bread by ethnographically documenting the ingredients, preparation techniques and consumption practices of baked goods made from acorn seeds and flour that are still used today or at least still present in living memory. A qualitative comparative case method was adopted, and ethnographic data were gathered from 67 people in six selected Mediterranean, Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries. The analysis highlighted distinct trajectories in the development of acorn-based bread, showing some differences in terms of ingredients, preparation techniques and baking methods in the two cultural and geographical macro-regions. By exploring the evolution of the alimentary role of acorn bread in the past century, our findings also support the hypothesis that the product, at least during the last two centuries, has mostly been used as a famine food. By acknowledging the cult...
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"Introductory research summary of NWO (Sustainable Humanities program) funded PhD project 'Productive Landscapes. An interdisciplinary inquiry into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire: 200 B.C. – A.D. 500' in the PhD... more
"Introductory research summary of NWO (Sustainable Humanities program) funded PhD project 'Productive Landscapes. An interdisciplinary inquiry into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire: 200 B.C. – A.D. 500' in the PhD Introduction section of the Dutch archaeological periodical TMA (Tijdschrift voor Mediterrane Archeologie).
For an English summary see the post 'Productive Landscapes. An interdisciplinary inquiry into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire: 200 B.C. - A.D. 500 -- NWO English summary --' also in the 'papers' section on this profile. "
For an English summary see the post 'Productive Landscapes. An interdisciplinary inquiry into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire: 200 B.C. - A.D. 500 -- NWO English summary --' also in the 'papers' section on this profile. "
Research Interests: Roman History, Anthropology of Food, Food History, Agricultural Economics, Ancient economies (Archaeology), and 10 moreAgriculture, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Roman Economy, Roman Egypt, Animal Husbandry, Ancient economy, Roman agriculture, Fishing, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, and Fish Farming
This project will inquire into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500. Until c. A.D. 200 the population of the Empire significantly rose, alongside the appearance of strong indicators of... more
This project will inquire into the productivity of crop husbandry in the Roman Empire between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500. Until c. A.D. 200 the population of the Empire significantly rose, alongside the appearance of strong indicators of increased prosperity; this means there were more people, who were on average eating more. This would have necessitated an increase of agricultural production and of productivity. The central question that will be addressed in this research is how Roman farmers could meet these increasing demands. Nevertheless, in the Malthusian paradigm for pre-modern agricultural economies, an increase of productivity is unthinkable. Technological improvements were absent or marginal, the amount of land limited, while the only way of increasing productivity - employing more labour per unit of land - decreased the productivity per unit of labour. The applicant believes that an innovative approach towards choices for agricultural practices and crops enabled farmers to increase their productivity and meet the higher demands. The aim of this study will be to understand which the choices were that Roman farmers made within the context of the potential of their respective landscapes, climates and market conditions. The approach to answering the question raised above, will be through case studies (settlements, regions) with a focus on studying (existing) archaeobotanical datasets in combination with written sources and other types of archaeological evidence to reconstruct practices and crop-choices on a local level. The results of this inquiry will be interpreted through a model containing the factors and relations that can motivate strategic choices. Such a model would be constructed using theories and examples drawn from anthropology, ethnography, ethnoarchaeobotany, agricultural and socioeconomic history and relevant written sources. The innovative and interdisciplinary approach of the proposed research towards a meta-analysis of the agricultural economy, will enable it to answer questions on the structure and performance of Roman agriculture that were previously unreachable. The answers to these questions will touch upon the very foundation of the Roman economy and will shed a light on the reasons and extent of its success.
Research Interests: Ancient History, Botany, Landscape Ecology, Archaeology, Human Evolution, and 65 moreRoman History, Climate Change, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Paleoclimatology, Conservation Biology, Landscape Archaeology, Poverty, Economic Growth, Paleobotany, HIV/AIDS, Governance, Food History, Gender, Biology, Ancient economies (Archaeology), Ecology, Food Production, Origins of Agriculture, Vegetation Ecology, Forest Ecology, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Archaeological Theory, Agricultural History, Archaeology of Beer and Cereal Fermentation, Agricultural extension, Roman Economy, Ancient Agriculture & Farming (Archaeology), Roman Egypt, Animal Husbandry, Food Security, Arqueología, Ancient economy, Ancient Food, Roman social and economic history, Ancient Near Eastern Economy, Biodiversity Research, Roman agriculture, Institutions, Fishing, Roman trade, commerce and the economy, Ancient Landscapes, Prehistoria, Ancient Agriculture, Roman land use and the agrarian economy, Ancient Roman economy, trade and commerce, Fish Farming, Pre-Roman Italy, Ancient Food and Drink, Soil Fertility, Campania, Paleobotánica, Rural Livelihood Strategies, Ecological Agriculture, Landscape and Land-use-history, Roman Archaeology, Alpine and Arctic Research, Small scall Irrigation, Development Policies and Strategies, Crop Nutrition, Rice wheat Cropping System, Zinc & Iron Agronomic Biofortification of Major Cereal Crops, Mediterranean Environment and Ecology, Ancient Land use, and Paleopsychology
For a good understanding of ancient food economies, quantitative data are indispensable. Quantitative data on variables such as income, taxes and food prices can aid us in reconstructing living standards, socioeconomic inequality and... more
For a good understanding of ancient food economies, quantitative data are indispensable. Quantitative data on variables such as income, taxes and food prices can aid us in reconstructing living standards, socioeconomic inequality and economic performance in past societies, and even allow comparisons through time and space. This contribution quantifies data on grain shipments and sailors’ rations from the recto of P. Amiens + P. Baldwin (Ramesside period, mid-20th Dynasty). The text records the transport of grain by a fleet of 21 cargo vessels belonging to the temple of Amen-Re at Karnak that was supplied by various domains. This paper quantifies the volume, weight, edible weight and corresponding energetic value of the cargo and calculates the minimum size of the domains and number of individuals that could be fed with these grain deliveries. The rations of the sailors are also quantified and compared with wages and prices from Deir el Medina. This paper also demonstrates that, contrary to common scholarly opinion, emmer wheat was more expensive than barley during the Ramesside period.
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In this paper we present the results of the archaeobotanical analysis of impressions of plant remains encountered in the profile and on the surface of clay fragments of ṭāwabīn. The fragments originate from Mamluk contexts at the site of... more
In this paper we present the results of the archaeobotanical analysis of impressions of plant remains encountered in the profile and on the surface of clay fragments of ṭāwabīn. The fragments originate from Mamluk contexts at the site of Tall Hisban located in southern Bilad as-Sham (modern Jordan and Palestine). This study models the formation process of the botanical component of the ṭābūn as a context and explores the underlying processes explaining the presence of the different kinds of impressions. After providing a description of the ṭābūn and consulting historical and ethnographic descriptions, we present our model and interpret the results of the archaeobotanical analysis through it. Furthermore, the archaeobotanical data obtained from the analysis of ṭābūn fragments helps contribute to the knowledge of the Tall Hisban food economy. The importance of barley at the site during this period is not only reflected through ṭābūn fragments, but more importantly are proxies for economic activities in the village.
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This paper aims to assess the accessibility of pepper to average Roman consumers in terms of price by quantifying the cost of ‘meaningful’ culinary pepper consumption. To this end, by performing measurements on modern pepper samples, we... more
This paper aims to assess the accessibility of pepper to average Roman consumers in terms of price by quantifying the cost of ‘meaningful’ culinary pepper consumption. To this end, by performing measurements on modern pepper samples, we first quantify Roman pepper prices and units of measurement more concretely. What was the cost of a peppercorn, and how many were there to the libra and other units? We then define and quantify ‘meaningful’ pepper consumption using modern consumption statistics and cooking data. Subsequently we compare these data to Roman incomes. We show that, if only looking at price, regular culinary pepper consumption would even have been possible for lower income consumers. In addition, we also used our method to quantify the value of amounts of pepper in literary sources and archaeological finds. We look in more detail at Apicius’ De Re Coquinaria, which features many recipes with infeasibly high quantities of pepper. We show that in most recipes where the amount of pepper is explicitly quantified and large, whole peppercorns instead of ground pepper was used. We show that this excessive yet inefficient usage of pepper as ‘garnish’ is a form of conspicuous consumption. We argue this may be a response to normal, efficient pepper use, becoming too commonplace and not distinctive enough for elites. We also explore the price difference between the different types of pepper the Romans consumed. We explain these differences from the perspective of production cost through assessing traditional production processes and agronomic statistics.
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Socioeconomic archaeologists and historians are often interested in the reconstruction of conjectures of past production and consumption, as such conjectures may provide us with better insights into the structure, scale and nature of the... more
Socioeconomic archaeologists and historians are often interested in the reconstruction of conjectures of past production and consumption, as such conjectures may provide us with better insights into the structure, scale and nature of the ancient economy and inform us about levels of prosperity. In this article the author has teamed up with this school of thought, and has constructed a conjecture of public constructions in Roman Italy for the period between 225 BC and AD 425. The reconstruction of this conjecture was essentially achieved by placing many (dated) occurrences of public constructions from a large dataset by Hélène Jouffroy (Jouffroy 1986) in a chronological order. Because of some methodological improvements such a thing could be done with far greater precision and much more data than in past assessments of the data by, amongst others, Hélène Jouffroy and Richard Duncan Jones (Duncan Jones 1974;1990). In addition the author discusses and counters various possible biases in both the data and his method and presents the reader with some interpretative concepts, most notably ‘the temporality of consumption’. Though a conjectural approach from its outset is economic, the author interprets his results not solely from an economic perspective but firstly from within the socio-cultural and political context of euergetism. In his article Frits Heinrich shows that the number of new public constructions in Italy reached its zenith during Augustus’ reign, while the enjoyment of the services public buildings offered may have been greatest during the reign of Antoninus Pius. He furthermore shows, as far as public constructions are concerned, that that which is usually referred to as the ‘third century crisis’ seems to commence as early as the second half of the second century A.D.
Research Interests:
This article deals with public constructions in Roman Africa (between 50 B.C. and A.D. 425) from an economic-archaeological and conjectural perspective. Economic archaeologists and historians are always interested in conjectures of past... more
This article deals with public constructions in Roman Africa (between 50 B.C. and A.D. 425) from an economic-archaeological and conjectural perspective. Economic archaeologists and historians are always interested in conjectures of past production and consumption as to gain insights into the structure, scale and degree of successfulness of the ancient economy and its changes through time. As to reconstruct such a conjecture, the author has chronologically ordered all instances of public constructions from a large dataset by Hélène Jouffroy (Jouffroy, 1986). This he could do, due to some methodological improvements, with greater precision and far more data than was possible in previous assessments of the same dataset by others. In his article the author describes and interprets the reconstructed curves of both the African construction volumes and the changes in the total stock of public buildings. An increase in the African construction volumes starts to be significant from the late first century A.D. on, reaching a peak in the mid-second century; after a short period of moderation an absolute zenith is reached during the reign of Septimus Severus. Then, after the Severian period, the African construction volumes plunge into what seems to be the Third Century Crisis. , A new high-tide initiates during the late fourth century however; thereafter there’s but a steep decline. Interestingly an absolute zenith in the total stock of buildings is reached at the height of the construction volume ‘crisis’. Lastly, the author compares the results presented in this article with those that were recently published on public constructions in Roman Italy in his contribution to TMA 45, titled Public Constructions in Roman Italy (225 B.C. – A.D. 425) a conjectural approach.
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Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
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Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting. Workshop organizers: Laura Motta & Frits Heinrich In person location: 10.30 – 12.15 Forum.I.2064, ULB Campus La... more
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Laura Motta & Frits Heinrich
In person location: 10.30 – 12.15 Forum.I.2064, ULB Campus La Plaine
13.30 – 16.30 Salle Solvay, Building NO, 5th Floor, ULB
Campus La Plaine
Workshop organizers: Laura Motta & Frits Heinrich
In person location: 10.30 – 12.15 Forum.I.2064, ULB Campus La Plaine
13.30 – 16.30 Salle Solvay, Building NO, 5th Floor, ULB
Campus La Plaine
Research Interests: Climate Change, Stable Isotope Analysis, Archaeobotany, Hydrology, Archaeozoology, and 15 moreFood History, Palynology, Agriculture, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, Italy, GIS and Landscape Archaeology, Roman agriculture, Archaeology of food, Roman food and drink, Archaeology of Northern Italy, Gabii, History of Venice, Roman Archaeology, and Protohistoric Italy
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting. Workshop organizers: Beat Kümin & Frits Heinrich In person location: Solvay Room, 5th floor NO Building, ULB Campus La... more
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Beat Kümin & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Solvay Room, 5th floor NO Building, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Workshop organizers: Beat Kümin & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Solvay Room, 5th floor NO Building, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Research Interests:
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting. Workshop organizers: Antonella Pasqualone & Frits Heinrich In person location: Room B.C.505, B/C building, ULB Campus La... more
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Antonella Pasqualone & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Room B.C.505, B/C building, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Workshop organizers: Antonella Pasqualone & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Room B.C.505, B/C building, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Research Interests:
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Mauro Rizzetto & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Workshop organizers: Mauro Rizzetto & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Research Interests: Archaeobotany, Archaeozoology, Food History, Medieval Italy, Vegetation History and Archaeobotany, and 13 moreNorthern Italy, Italy, Roman Italy, Archaeology of food, Venice, Blue Green Algae, Coastal Lagoons, Venice Lagoon, Climate change and sustainable food production, Grain trade, Venetian and Venice Lagoon Archaeology, Fish production, and grain supply
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting. Workshop organizers: Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Annette Hansen & Frits Heinrich In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La... more
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Annette Hansen & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Workshop organizers: Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Annette Hansen & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Research Interests:
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting.
Workshop organizers: Antonia Matalas & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Workshop organizers: Antonia Matalas & Frits Heinrich
In person location: Salle Solvay, ULB Campus La Plaine, Brussels
Research Interests: Nutrition and Dietetics, Food Science, Nutrition, Fermentation Technologies, Food History, and 14 moreFood and Nutrition, Archaeology of Beer and Cereal Fermentation, Fermentation Technology, Food Science and Technology, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Dairy Science and Technology, Lactic Acid Bacteria, Cereal Technology, Fermentation, Sourdough, Fermented food, Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Nutrition and Health Sciences, and Meat Science and Technology
Please click the hyperlinked words 'LINK' or 'TEAMS' in de attached file to enter the Microsoft Teams Meeting
Workshop organizers: Alex McAlvay & Frits Heinrich
Workshop organizers: Alex McAlvay & Frits Heinrich
Research Interests: Climate Change, Resilience, Climate Change Adaptation And Mitigation Strategies, Wheat, Barley, and 7 moreClimate Change and Food Security, Indigenous agricultural practices, Agrodiversity, Cereal Mixtures, Indigenous Polyculture Orchard Permaculture, Agroforestry, Forest Gardens, Traditional Agriculture, and Heritage Grains
This workshop will take place in a hybrid format on February 7th, 13.00-18.00 Central European Time. The Teams link for this event is enclosed in the documents. Please see the attached program and abstracts for a full description of the... more
This workshop will take place in a hybrid format on February 7th, 13.00-18.00 Central European Time. The Teams link for this event is enclosed in the documents.
Please see the attached program and abstracts for a full description of the event and speakers.
Please see the attached program and abstracts for a full description of the event and speakers.
Research Interests: Egyptology, Food History, Egypt, Agriculture and Food Studies, Ancient Egyptian History, and 9 moreCooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Archaeology of food, Bread History, Beer and Brewery History, Food Processing and Storage, Ancient Egyptian agriculture, History of Cooking and Food Culture, Mud brick Architecture, and Ancient Egyptian Foods
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
For Microsoft Teams Links and Full program please see the document. Note that each day has a different Teams Link. BrIAS Workshop W08 Long term perspectives on Foodways & Agriculture in North East Africa. On April 5 and 6 2022 both days... more
For Microsoft Teams Links and Full program please see the document. Note that each day has a different Teams Link.
BrIAS Workshop W08 Long term perspectives on Foodways & Agriculture in North East Africa. On April 5 and 6 2022 both days from 13.00 to 17.00 Central European Time
BrIAS Workshop W08 Long term perspectives on Foodways & Agriculture in North East Africa. On April 5 and 6 2022 both days from 13.00 to 17.00 Central European Time
Research Interests: Egyptology, Archaeobotany, Egyptian Archaeology, Archaeozoology, Food History, and 15 moreFood and Nutrition, Islamic History, Graeco-Roman Egypt, Ptolemaic Egyptian History, Agricultural History, Somalia, Greek Papyrology, Old Kingdom (Egyptology), Sudanese Archaeology, New Kingdom (Egyptology), Food Science and Technology, Cooking and Food Preparation (archaeology), Ancient Food and Drink, History of Cooking and Food Culture, and Flatbread
Workshop within the Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BrIAS) program on February 8th 2022. See Microsoft Teams link in PDF to join.
Organisers: Antonella Pasqualone & Frits Heinrich
Organisers: Antonella Pasqualone & Frits Heinrich
Research Interests:
Workshop held within the Brussels Institute for Advanced Studies (BrIAS) on January 20th 2022
Organisers: Andrea Pieroni & Frits Heinrich
Organisers: Andrea Pieroni & Frits Heinrich