Details of Award

NERC Reference : NER/A/S/2003/00336

Long-distance trade and agricultural development - Food plants from Quseir, Egypt, 0 - 1500 AD.

Principal Investigator:: Professor M Van der Veen, University of Leicester, Sch of Archaeology and Ancient History
Grant held at:: University of Leicester, Sch of Archaeology and Ancient History

Abstract:: People have always desired foodstuffs obtained from outside their immediate environment. But how were such foreign foods obtained and how quickly were these integrated into the local staple diet and into the local agricultural production? This is one of the key questions in understanding the evolution of human diet. Excavations at the Roman and Islamic port at Quseir al-Qadim, Egypt, offer a rare opportunity to study this question in detail. The site functioned as one of only two ports for the trade with India and beyond (the spice trade) during the 1st-3rd and 11th-15th centuries AD. Its occupation during both the Roman and Islamic rule of Egypt make it a critical site, providing a unique chance to test the effect of long-distance trade in foodstuffs on both diet and agriculture in Egypt and beyond. Moreover, the site ranks amongst the top one per cent in the world in terms of quality of preservation and abundance of food remains. A detailed analysis of these botanical remains is the purpose of this research project.

Authorised funds only

This grant award has a total value of £163,284

Total - Staff	Total - T&S	Total - Other Costs	Total - Indirect Costs	Total - Equipment
£81,802	£11,850	£8,360	£54,188	£7,084

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