Reconstructing Ancient Foodways

Show how archaeologists and scientists can reconstruct the diets and food practices of ancient communities in South India using evidence such as plant remains, animal bones, pottery residues, tools, and environmental data. Explain what each kind of evidence can and cannot establish, how researchers avoid overconfident conclusions, and how food connects to trade, technology, ecology, status, and cultural change. End with a sample research plan for investigating one ancient meal or ingredient.