Conny Waters – AncientPages.com – A recent study from the Vilnius University explores the adaptive agricultural practices employed by pre-industrial communities in north-eastern Europe over the last two thousand years.
Field of buckwheat. Photo credit: Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute
“The past two millennia have seen significant climatic fluctuations in Europe, including phases of increased warming and cooling or prolonged droughts and wet spells. These changes are well documented through various proxies such as tree-rings, speleothems, and pollen records…”
“This archaeobotanical and historical analysis reveals that crop cultivation in northeastern Europe between 100 and 1800 AD was notably influenced by climatic changes and socioeconomic factors. The observed trends in rye, oat, millet, buckwheat, and hemp cultivation highlight the adaptability and resilience of agricultural practices in response to climatic changes. ..” write researchers in their paper.
This research provides valuable insights into how these societies adjusted their farming techniques to meet environmental and societal challenges throughout history.
The research underscores the profound impact of significant climatic changes, in conjunction with socioeconomic factors, on the strategic selection and cultivation of buffer crops. This approach serves to mitigate the risks associated with failures of primary staple crops.
Bread wheat field. Image credit: Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute
“This study shows quite vividly that due to climate change the thermophilic millet crop, which was the staple food during the first millennium AD, was replaced by other, more cold-resistant crops such as buckwheat,” states the paper’s senior author and PI of the ERC-CoG project MILWAYS, Prof. Giedre Motuzaite Matuzeviciute.
It also gives insights into the resilience and ingenuity of ancient agricultural systems, emphasizing the dynamic interplay between environmental challenges and human innovation.
Researchers analyzed archaeological evidence and historical records and reconstructed past crop repertoires, shedding light on how communities diversified their agriculture to ensure food security amidst changing conditions.
This research enhances our understanding of historical agricultural practices and offers valuable lessons for modern agriculture. Today, our modern societies encounter greater climate variability and socioeconomic uncertainties. It is therefore important to understand and use strategies of the past in agricultural practices and policies today.
Geographical location of the historical Grand Duchy of Lithuania within the European context (PLC, Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth). The map shows the study area (Lithuanian Province of the PLC), including the locations of manors where historical data (1500–1800 AD) was analysed and the archaeobotanical sample sites. Source
Environmental scientist Dr. Michael Kempf emphasizes that recent drying-up processes and the heightened risk of prolonged heatwaves and subsequent droughts are testing our socio-political resilience.
These challenges necessitate a reevaluation of global food production strategies. One potential solution is to reconsider the use of drought-tolerant species, which could help mitigate the long-term impacts of ongoing global warming.
According to Prof. Matuzeviciute, the predominance of staple foods such as rye bread and buckwheat porridge in the cuisine of northeastern Europeans can be attributed to the Little Ice Age. As climates continue to warm, there is a possibility that we may see a resurgence of previously overlooked millet crops.
Northeastern Europe is located at the crossroads of various climatic zones. Therefore, it is considered a marginal agricultural area. In this region, buffer crops are essential for maintaining food security as they help adapt to changing environmental conditions.
These crops serve as a vital strategy in managing the challenges posed by shifting climates.
“Natural conditions, agriculture, and gastronomic culture have always been closely interconnected. Gastronomic culture is more inert, meaning that environmental changes first affected agriculture and only later became apparent in the kitchen. Therefore, studying these processes is essential for understanding both past and contemporary societies.” noted Prof. Rimvydas Laužikas.
Historical records reveal that millet agriculture experienced a southward shift at the beginning of the Little Ice Age. This movement was likely influenced by changing climatic conditions, which prompted adaptations in agricultural practices to maintain crop viability and productivity.
The Vilnius University PhD candidate Meiirzhan Abdrakhmanov summarizes that “this study emphasizes the dynamic nature of agricultural adaptation and underscores the resilience of past communities in responding to climatic changes.
Written by Conny Waters – AncientPages.com Staff Writer
