The archaeobotanical evaluation of plant remains from hellenistic layers and middens of tatarli höyük (Ceyhan/Adana)

In this study, carbonised and fossil plant remains recovered from Tatarlı Höyük in the 2009-2010 excavation season, especially from middens and hearts, were investigated with an archaeobotanical perspective. In this scope, the use of plants in the daily life of people lived in the period was tried to be understood by identification of the plant remains.Within the context of this research, 33 soil samples from 7 different trenches dated to Hellenistic Period were taken. Wete sieving (flotation) technique was used for seperation of plant remains from the soil. Archaeobotanical material obtained by this method was identified taxonomically in familia, genus or species level. 42 different plant samples were determined. 13 of these were crops and 29 were included wild plants. 5 different wheat species obtained from the research area shows that cereals were the main source of food. Besides, grapevine (Vitis vinifera) and olive (Olea europea) found in the samples suggest that viticulture, wine production and gardening had an important part in the regions' economy. Almost all of the samples obtained from certain trenches were determined to be wild plants and these are similar to the elements of current flora.These are the results of the first archaeobotanical study conducted in Tatarlı Höyük. This study will show a way for the future studies. Present data will be improved and be more meaningful as new results are obtained.