Will someone please let us all know how a seed can "live" that long? I did read of an underwater archaeological site, where an amphora was brought up with some weed seeds inside, which DID germinate. I didn't believe it at the time, but maybe it was true.
A seed is in a dormant state and when the right conditions happen, can grow. If a seed is kept in a dry, cool place I suppose many can be held indefinately. I think foodstuffs from 2,000 years old are much purer and scientists have sprouted amaranth seeds that were thousands of years old before. As a side note, honey is another foodstuff that has been founded unspoiled in jars in Egypt after thousands of years.
I was suprised to learn that mosquito eggs will hatch after laying in the dust/dirt for 10 years.