Historical Plant-Biodiversity in the Carpathian Basin

Archaeobotany concentrates chiefl y on fi nds of seed and fruit remains that were deposited as a result of human activity. Sometimes, however, seeds from the species of the natural fl ora are recovered as well, especially from wells and channels. Studying human-induced palaeo-biocoenoses is of great help in clarifying ancient ways of life as well as reconstructing ancient knowledge in land cultivation. Plant cultivation in the Carpathian Basin is 8000 years old. The special climatic and ecological conditions of the Carpathian Basin, the long period of time that cultivated plants have been being grown here and the accompanying folk selection have resulted in a very high degree of diversity. Accordingly, the regional varieties should be regarded as a part of our cultural heritage, which means that their preservation is a matter of national concern. 1