A multidisciplinary study of archaeological grape seeds

Area of Science:

• Archaeobotany
• Ancient biomolecular analysis
• Medieval agricultural studies

Background:

• Investigated ancient grape (Vitis vinifera L.) seeds from medieval sites in Italy and England.
• Utilized anoxic waterlogging preservation for archaeobotanical samples.
• Focused on early medieval (7th-8th century AD) and late medieval (14th-15th century AD) periods.

Observation:

• Pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry showed good carbohydrate preservation.
• Amino acid analysis indicated approximately 90% protein loss.
• Mass spectrometry identified degraded ancient peptides in the York sample.

Findings:

• Nuclear microsatellite locus analysis (VVS2, VVMD5, VVMD7, ZAG62, ZAG79) enabled tentative genetic profiling.
• Ancient grape seeds were compared with modern varieties.
• The York sample was likely not locally sourced, while Supersano (Italy) remains may indicate Eastern Mediterranean contact.

Implications:

• Successful recovery of microsatellite DNA enhances biomolecular analysis of ancient grape seeds.
• This integrated DNA and protein approach offers new insights into archaeobotany.
• Findings contribute to understanding medieval trade and viticulture.