A group of Spanish archeologists have discovered traces of a 1,000 year old vineyard in Zaballa, Spain.
According to the Inhabitat Zaballa was a medieval settlement abandoned in the 15th century.
Archeologists believe the tools discovered at the site were not used to cultivate wheat but vines. The area has been studied by researchers from the University of Basque Country, in addition to, other places that were abandoned by the previous settler’s centuries prior.
The researchers found tools, seeds, and pollen at the site and were able to study them to come to their conclusion.
Business-standard reported the terrace fields in Zaballa were used to grow grape vines. The scientists are trying to learn more about the area and what life was like in that century.
Author Juan Antonio Quiros-Castillo, who is a part of the researchers, stated that the items on the site date back further than the 15th century. “Archaeo-botanical studies of seed remains found in the excavations and pollen studies have provided material evidence of the existence of vine cultivation in a relatively early period like the 10th century."
Live Science reported that the terrace was perfect for growing grapes rather than cereal. The researchers are also studying another abandoned settlement in Arabia-Alava called Zornoztegi, which was used for growing wheat.
Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
