History and traditional cultivation of Lathyrus sativus L. and Lathyrus cicera L. in the Iberian peninsula

Recent ethnographic research carried out in Spain has allowed the cultivation of Lathyrus sativus L. and L. cicera L. to be documented. Both species already appear in the Spanish archaeological record. Grown under traditional farming systems, L. sativus L. and L. cicera L. are still used for human consumption (only L. sativus L.) and both are used for fodder. Data on cultivation history, farming practices, crop processing sequence and uses are here presented, which will enable a better understanding of their possible roles in prehistoric times.