A survey is given of the methods used by archaeological botany, also called palaeoethnobotany, in order to investigate botanical material that has come to light through archaeological excavations and is more or less connected with the culture of the time. Valuable results may be obtained through investigations of grain impressions in clay, which give very good pictures; by preparing casts, direct comparisons may be made with actual objects. Investigation of carbon ized material is an important method; it must only be observed that, due to carbonization, the grains to some extent change their shape and size. Uncarbonized seeds and fruits are sometimes preserved under favorable conditions and may be studied in their original shape. The methods also include microscopical investigations of scale fragments in clay, as well as tissue fragments in carbonized bread. Seeds and fruits from underwater finds may also be studied, though their interior is often dissolved by the water. In connection with the methodological survey some notes are made about the results, i.e. the oldest dates for the occurrence of some cultured plants. -- AATA