BLOWING IN THE WIND: THE SEASONALITY OF FORAGING IN LATE BRONZE AGE CRETE

Abstract

SummaryMost foraging, especially for wild edible plants, is a seasonal occupation, impacted by weather in the short term and climate change in the long term. In Crete today, foraging not only supplements the diet but is a valued inter‐generational social activity. Foraging activities are not directly mentioned in the Late Bronze Age Linear B tablets from Crete, suggesting that most were the purview of non‐elites. Here I present evidence for changes in seasonality during the Late Bronze Age and its possible impact on plant foraging. The Linear B and archaeological evidence for foraging activity and its relationship to elites and non‐elites is also discussed.