A new anthracological sequence from Nigde-Kinik Hoyuk (Turkey): woodland vegetation and arboriculture in southern Cappadocia from the Late Bronze Age to the Ottoman Period

This article presents a new anthracological sequence from the archeological site of Nigde-Kinik Hoyuk, in southern Cappadocia (Turkey), spanning from the Late Bronze Age to the Ottoman Period, which provides important insights into the vegetation history of Cappadocia and its change through time. The local woody vegetation was composed of deciduous oaks, with an important contribution, especially in the earlier periods, of riparian trees (Salicaceae). Conifers played a minor role but indicate the possible presence of cedar and fir stands in the site's vicinity. Starting in the mid-1(st) millennium BCE, wood charcoal data shows a well-defined and coherent anthracological phase characterized by abundant evidence of arboreal crops, especially grapevine. This evidence is here connected to the Beysehir Occupation Phase phenomenon, and its economic and historic implications are discussed.