Van traditionele archeologie naar ecologische archeologie: terugblik en vooruitblik in een jubileumjaar

The start of archaeological research at the Rijksuniversiteit Groningen dates back to 1920. From the 1930s, research on subfossil plant remains became integrated into the archaeological research. Three research disciplines became established: palynology, research on wood, and research on non-woody macro remains (in particular seeds and fruits). Because this research deals with cells, tissues and organisms, identifications are possible to a low taxonomic level, which facilitates a detailed reconstruction of former vegetation and food economies. Future research would benefit from a further integration of these distinct disciplines within biological archaeology, as well as a further integration of biological archaeology within the study of archaeology. Such an approach could be designated as ecological archaeology.