The history of broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) in the Carpathian-basin in the mirror of archaeobotanical remains II. From the Roman age until the late medieval age

Abstract

The domestication of broomcorn millet based on latest archaeobotanical investigations occurred in the arid areas of North China and in same time in Central Asia. The knowledge of cultivation of broomcorn millet the Carpathian Basin before the 6th thousand BC. Since this time in all archaeological ages are available but in different frequency. Broomcorn millet was a widespread and favoured cereal. Knowing the eating habits of nomadic and semi-nomadic people, this find is expected, as broomcorn millet is a favoured cereal with a short growing season and rapid development requiring relatively little tending. This is expected as broomcorn millet was a key crop for Hungarians in the Middle Ages. A significant amount was grown traditionally by Hungarians through time until the appearance of maize, the new gruel plant. In the second part will be present the history of broomcorn millet in the Carpathian Basin from the Roman Age until the Late Medieval Age.