The identification of Panicum miliaceum in archaeology: A molecular, isotopic, and experimental investigation

The investigation of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum) is an enticing subject of archaeological research that has garnered greater interest in recent years. The cereal was domesticated in Northeast China and translocated across varied environments and among diverse cultures and communities of Northern Eurasia during prehistory. Theoretical discussions have examined the potential motives, methods, and significance of its translocation and use, yet few archaeological studies have attempted to investigate and understand the role of P. miliaceum among past populations. An emergent method of investigation utilises molecular and isotopic techniques to analyse archaeological food residues and understand the role and significance of P. miliaceum in culinary contexts. However, neither the accuracy, reliability, nor interpretive potential of this method has been assessed, despite widespread application to new archaeological contexts and research questions.
This thesis presents the first in-depth molecular and isotopic investigation of organic residues comprising P. miliaceum. The analysis of reference, experimental, and archaeological materials provides an opportunity to assess and refine criteria used in the identification and interpretation of archaeological residues comprising P. miliaceum. Furthermore, application of refined criteria, to archaeological materials, enables a greater understanding of the uses and significance of P. miliaceum to past populations.
The analysis of reference materials assesses the accuracy and reliability of molecular analysis, while experiments demonstrate the extent to which P. miliaceum may be recognised by molecular and isotopic analysis of food residues. Intensive analysis of archaeological foodcrusts and ceramic-absorbed residues from Bruszczewo, Poland, provides an opportunity to comprehensively understand evidence for P. miliaceum processing at one site. Finally, the analysis of ceramic-absorbed residues from 12 sites in Northern Greece and Bulgaria provides an opportunity to conduct a spatiotemporal investigation of P. miliaceum introduction and use, across a broad region, that is integrated with established ceramic studies.