Gordon Hillman

Gordon Hillman

Gordon Hillman was a prominent British archaeobotanist known for his pioneering work in the field of archaeobotany. His research significantly contributed to the understanding of ancient agricultural practices and the domestication of plants.

Early Life and Education

Gordon Hillman was born in the United Kingdom. He developed an early interest in botany and archaeology, which led him to pursue higher education in these fields. Hillman studied at University College London (UCL), where he specialized in archaeobotany.

Career

Hillman began his career as an archaeobotanist in the 1970s. He worked on numerous archaeological sites around the world, including in the Near East, Europe, and Asia. His work often involved the analysis of plant remains from ancient sites to reconstruct past environments and agricultural practices.

One of Hillman's most notable contributions was his research on the origins of agriculture in the Near East. He conducted extensive studies on the domestication of wild plants, particularly cereals such as wheat and barley. His findings provided valuable insights into the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities.

Contributions to Archaeobotany

Hillman developed several innovative techniques for the analysis of plant remains. He was instrumental in refining methods for the flotation of plant remains from archaeological sediments, which allowed for the recovery of tiny seeds and other botanical materials. This technique has since become a standard practice in archaeobotany.

Hillman also collaborated with other researchers to develop models of ancient agricultural systems. His work helped to identify the types of crops that were cultivated in different regions and the methods used for their cultivation. He also studied the impact of climate change on ancient agriculture and how early farmers adapted to environmental changes.

Legacy

Gordon Hillman's contributions to archaeobotany have had a lasting impact on the field. His research has enhanced our understanding of the origins and development of agriculture, as well as the relationship between humans and their environment. Hillman's work continues to influence contemporary studies in archaeobotany and related disciplines.

Selected Publications

• Hillman, G. (Year). Title of Publication. Publisher.
• Hillman, G. (Year). Title of Publication. Publisher.

See Also

• Archaeobotany
• Domestication
• Agriculture
• Near East