Actually archaeology is not required here. Acorn has been a staple food
through much of human history (ie in historic times). That is why the
name "acorn" contains the stem "corn" = "grain" as in wheat or rye. Only in
the last few centuries it has been demoted to an animal food.

Oaks have been significantly correlated with rising civilizations. A typical
picture is to start out with a site on a river surrounded by dense oak
forests. On such a site a city may arise, to become famous. Happened time
after time.

Countries well known for their luscious and dense oak forests include Greece
and Britain, both giving rise to well-known civilations. Of course when such
a City reaches its peak, the oaks will be much on the decline, getting used
up as fuel.

A typical example of a City-that-would-not-be if it were not for oaks and
acorns is London. Look at a map of London some time, and see all the street
names.

Some minor points
- "Acorns must be processed to remove the tannins before they are
edible." Varies from species to species, some are quite edible raw. By the
way wheat is usually also processed.
- If you're trying to develop a stand of bearing oaks, it is going
to take multiple years vs. one with a grain crop " This is the wrong way
about. Oaks are there first, civilization follows where a "stand of bearing
oaks" is already present.
PvR

Monique Reed schreef

Read some archaeology. The civilizations which developed agriculture
arose mostly in fertile plains, not in temperate forests. Also,
acorns must be processed to remove the tannins before they are
edible. Also, many oaks bear large crops only every other year.
Also, if you're trying to develop a stand of bearing oaks, it is going
to take multiple years vs. one with a grain crop.

M. Reed