Plants and Trees in Herodotus' Histories: An Ethnobotanical Perspective on the Ancient World

Human beings, by their very nature, have always been compelled to meet fundamental needs such as nourishment, shelter, security, and religious practice. From the earliest periods of history, these needs were shaped by the geographical conditions in which human communities lived. Early societies sustained themselves through hunting and gathering, making extensive use of the plants and trees available in their natural environment both as sources of food and as materials for daily life. With the transition to a sedentary way of life during the Neolithic period, agricultural activities began to develop, leading to the deliberate protection, cultivation, and domestication of previously wild plants and trees. This transformation marked the shift from a consumer-based subsistence economy to a productive social structure. With the emergence of productive societies, plants and trees acquired significance far beyond their nutritional value. They came to play an essential role in construction, medical practices, ritual activities, economic production, and religious belief systems. These multifaceted uses are reflected in the works of ancient authors, most notably Herodotus, whose Histories provides valuable insights into the relationship between human communities and their natural environment. The primary aim of this study is to identify the plants and trees mentioned in Herodotus’ Histories and to examine their forms of use and intended purposes within the narrative. The analysis is structured around individual plant and tree species presented under separate headings and arranged according to the frequency with which they appear in the text, from the most frequently mentioned to the least. Through this systematic approach, the study seeks to evaluate Herodotus’ treatment of botanical elements within their broader cultural and historical contexts. Keywords: Herodotus' History, Plants, Plant Use, Barley, Olive.