The annular objects from the find assemblage in the debris layer of pit V5400. (Credit: Heiss et al, 2019)
Posted on 06/10/2019 9:16:42 AM PDT by ETL
Archaeologists have uncovered "strange ring-shaped objects" from a 3,000-year-old hillfort site that unmistakably look like modern-day Cheerios.
The discovery, made at a burial site in Austria, was found near an area that is believed to have stored cereals.
The researchers note that the rings, which are [between ~1.0 & 1.25 in] in diameter, were deliberately put into the storage pit.
"Three incomplete ring-shaped charred organic objects, found together with 14 rings and ring fragments made of clay were discovered in a secondary filled silo pit, excavated among a total of about 100 pits of this kind at the site," the study's abstract reads.
"The overall good state of preservation of the organic ring fragments suggests that they were deposited intact on the bottom of the pit and covered well so that no re-deposition or damage occurred."
The study, published in PLOS One, found that the charred remains are cereal products by using light and scanning electron microscopy.
"Prehistoric bakers produced so much more than just bread," Andreas Heiss, the study's lead author, said in a statement.
"A Late Bronze Age 'odd' deposit from central European site Stillfried (Austria) yielded dough rings comparable to Italian tarallini, discovered together with a larger number of clay loom weights, likewise ring-shaped — resulting in new insights into the material culture of food, symbolism, and diversity of dishes."
Heiss and his team also found that the cereal was likely made from "from a wet cereal mixture" and had been "subsequently dried without baking."
Cheerios, conversely, are made with oats, according to a YouTube video from the company.
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Ancient Twinkies ... when found will they still be in their freshness date?
Could be an early version of Hardtack...............
Ancient Cheerios ping.
Just add milk.
LOL
If they find ancient Wheaties, which Jenner will be on the box?
Right next to the first fruitcake. And the original Green Bean Casserole.
Thanks, I’m not familiar with tarallini.
Neither am I. And I'm (half) Italian. Probably very good, though, as most Italian food and desserts are.
Mom might know em.
I just DONT RECALL ever seeing them.
I don’t like to lie about what I know or don’t know regarding all things Italy/Sicily :)
But there’s a LOT of regions with a LOT of foods.
But that it originated in SOUTHERN Italy and I don’t know it is a bit embarrassing :)
“Ancient Twinkies ... when found will they still be in their freshness date?
”
Of course. Their expiration date is eons past the heat death of the universe.
Helen Thomas brand.
Try the Tarallini. It's the best in the city
LOL
I’m quite SURE that wasn’t it! :)
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