ABSTRACT
Chapter 9 discusses the ways in which archaeologists reconstruct ancient subsistence. We describe zooarchaeology, the study of animal bones, the identification of animals, the study of butchering methods, and comparing different assemblages. Next, we turn to botanical remains and flotation methods before briefly surveying ways of studying birds, fish, and mollusks. We also assess ways in which rock art can throw light on ancient subsistence. The old stereotype of Stone Age hunters pursuing large game animals like saber-toothed tigers and living off orgies of frenzied meat consumption vanished generations ago. We now know that plant foods and fish were vital components in many ancient diets. Reconstructing ancient subsistence is a painstaking process involving highly specialized research.
