Roman archaeofaunal and archaeobotanical data initiatives
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| Year of publication | 2021 |
| Type | Conference abstract |
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| Citation | |
| Description | Food consumption beyond being essential to sustain human life intercepts multiple facets of human societies such as forms of social organisation, technological developments, cultural traditions, or trade. The research of past human subsistence relies on multiple lines of evidence, including, the study of archaeofaunal and archaeobotanical data. The availability of significant volumes of such data determines the necessity for creation of standardized databases which allow us to explore the bioarchaeological datasets for studies covering large spatial (and temporal) scales. We will present initiatives that aim to bring together a community of data compilers and experts on Roman archaeofaunal and archaeobotanical remains. These initiatives are part of the Pandora network which bundles an array of historical and archaeological databases devoted to the study of the human past. In particular, we will describe and bring to discussion the efforts made to achieve common data standards for Roman archaeofaunal and archaeobotanical data. Preliminary uses of compiled data will be presented in selected case studies. These will highlight how collaborative data collection efforts can offer major insights into Roman socio-economic structures, developments in agricultural practices and trade, or in religious and wider cultural practices. |
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