The Tropical Turn: Agricultural Innovation in the Ancient Middle East and the Mediterranean

This book explores the origins of tropical Asian crops in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean, tracing their journey from their homes in Asia to the region, and how they influenced the ecologies, dietary habits, and cultural identities of people.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 March 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

This captivating book delves into the ancient origins of some of the most beloved tropical Asian crops, including rice, cotton, citruses, and cucumbers, in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. By meticulously examining archaeological evidence and diverse textual sources spanning over seven ancient languages, The Tropical Turn unveils the remarkable journey of these crops as they were transported from their tropical and subtropical origins in Asia to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Through this intricate exploration, Sureshkumar Muthukumaran sheds light on the profound ecological, dietary, and cultural impacts these crops had on the people of the ancient world. Moreover, the book offers a fresh perspective on human connectivity across Afro-Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the late centuries BCE, highlighting the intricate networks and exchanges that shaped the ancient world.

The book explores the origins of several tropical Asian crops, including rice, cotton, citruses, and cucumbers, in the ancient Middle East and Mediterranean regions. Through a comprehensive analysis of archaeological materials and diverse textual sources in over seven ancient languages, The Tropical Turn unravels the fascinating anthropogenic peregrinations of these crops from their homelands in tropical and subtropical Asia to the Middle East and the Mediterranean. It sheds light on the significant ecological, dietary, and cultural impacts these crops had on the people of the ancient world.

The book offers a fresh narrative history of human connectivity across Afro-Eurasia from the Bronze Age to the late centuries BCE. It highlights the intricate networks and exchanges that shaped the ancient world, emphasizing the role played by South Asia in facilitating trade and cultural exchange between different regions.

The Tropical Turn is a valuable contribution to the field of ancient history, providing insights into the complex relationships between agriculture, culture, and human mobility in the ancient world. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the origins and spread of tropical crops, as well as the broader history of human civilization.

Weight: 452g
Dimension: 226 x 153 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520390843