Acta Palaeobotanica 35(1): 133-155, 1995

Archaeobotany of the Early neolithic site E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, Western Desert, South Egypt (preliminary results).

Summary: Settlement traces belonging to the Middle Level of the early Neolithic site E-75-6 at Nabta Playa, dated to ca. 8000 yrs ago, include several huts and storage pits located near the centre of the lake playa. Location of the settlement and its stratigraphy indicate seasonal and repetitive occupations. Abundant charred plant remains (seeds, fruits, tubers, other parenchymatous fragments and charcoal) evidence extensive exploitation of vegetal resources. Several wild plants, preserved in the form seeds and fruits, were collected, including the oldest sorghum hitherto known.

Keywords: early Neolithic, settlement, archaeobotany, plant gathering, sorghum, Egypt, Sahara