The Founders project: evaluating the economic role of the ‘founder crops’ prior to the emergence of agriculture in southwest Asia

Abstract

Abstract Previous archaeobotanical research in Southwest Asia focused on the Neolithic ‘founder crops’. The Founders project revisits this concept and the economic role these species played in the development of agriculture. To achieve this aim, archaeological food remains are studied and culinary practices of the last hunter-gatherers and first farmers are evaluated.