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Image Credit: Guillem et al., Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports (2026)
Ancient Ditches Reveal Flax Processing in Sardinia and Spain
A new archaeobotanical study has identified evidence that ancient and medieval communities reused defensive ditches for processing flax to obtain textile fibres. The research examines plant remains from two waterlogged ditch contexts: S’Urachi in Sardinia, dating to the 7th–6th centuries BC, and Valencia in Spain, dating to the 13th–14th centuries AD.
The study focuses on flax remains preserved below the water table, including seeds, capsule fragments, and stems. Such organic materials are rarely preserved in Mediterranean archaeological contexts, making these finds especially important for understanding textile production.
At S’Urachi, the remains were recovered from a ditch beside the settlement’s defensive wall. The structure originally formed part of a fortified system, but the waterlogged deposits show that it was later used for other activities. In Valencia, similar remains were found in a medieval ditch near the city walls, where water still flowed after changes to the urban defensive system.
The presence of flax stems together with seeds and capsule fragments suggests that these ditches were used for retting. This process involves soaking flax stems in water for several days so that microorganisms break down the plant tissues and allow the fibres to be separated for textile production.
The researchers compared the ancient stem fragments with modern flax samples using light and electron microscopy. The preserved structures confirmed that the stems belonged to flax. At both sites, the evidence suggests repeated use of the water-filled ditches for fibre processing.
The study also notes possible evidence for flaxseed oil production at S’Urachi. Charred clusters of flax seeds may represent seeds that were roasted before grinding and pressing, although this interpretation remains cautious.
Overall, the findings show how communities reused existing water-filled spaces near settlement walls for craft activities. They also provide rare direct evidence of flax processing in the Mediterranean, helping researchers understand how textile production was organized in daily life across different periods and regions.
Published on: 02-06-2026
Edited by: Abdulmnam Samakie
