Analysis of palaeobotanical samples from the Hanging Cave at Kroczyce

Environmental samples taken during the archaeological fieldwork in the Hanging Cave (Kroczyce, site 1) have been examined using palaeobotanical methods and radiocarbon dated, which helped in establishing the age of the investigated layers as medieval (14^th century). The samples were analysed for their pollen content and for the presence of other microscopic organic remains, seeds, fruits and vegetative plant material. The identified remains included the cereals, especially rye and millet, as well as a significant quantity of burnt organic matter, identified provisionally as the residue of processed cereals. A substantial quantity of small charcoal fragments suggests the presence of hearths, used in preparing meals. One of the layers consisted of heavily compressed, unburnt plant material, one of its significant elements the remains of wetland plants (sedges). Presumably the plants were harvested in the marshy valley of the Białka river and used eg, in building makeshift beds.