The Vallus: The First Reaping Machine

Summary

"There is little doubt that during the first century A.D. the typical cereals under cultivation were as in the preceding century, namely Emmer (Triticum dicoccum), Spelt (Triticum spefta), Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum), Club wheat (Triticum compactum), Barley (Hordeum vulgare) and probably oats (Avena sativa). From the extant representations of both vallus and carpentum, it is unclear which cereal is depicted. However, it is the belief of this writer that the invention of the reaping machine is specifically associated with Emmer wheat.

One of the core research programmes at the Ancient Farm examines the yield potential under varying treatments and soil and climatological conditions of all the prehistoric cereal types evidenced in Britain for the late lron Age."

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Butser Ancient Farm Archive 1973-2007   •
• EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): EXARC Experimental Archaeology Collection Manager

Notes

Rights & Attribution: Christine Shaw contributed a copy of this document to the collection. EXARC thanks her for her dedication to preserving the Butser Ancient Farm Archive.

General Note: More information about the Butser Ancient Farm Archive and this document can be found at butser.org.uk.

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