1,721,003 research outputs found
Food plants in the Phoenician-Punic world and at Motya
Full text linkArchaeobotany allows to reconstruct Phoenicians’ plant use and the impact they had on the surrounding environment. A case study is represented by the site of Motya, where information was obtained concerning edible plants, cultivation, and crop processing
Sacred and secular aspects of Phoenicians' life at Motya (Sicily, Italy) inferred by multidisciplinary archaeobotanical analyses
Full text linkThe present study focuses on archaeobotanical analyses performed at the Phoenicians site of Motya, a small island (ca. 45 ha) located in the Stagnone di Marsala, in western Sicily.The study of macro-remains focused on two closed contexts: a votive favissa by the sacred area of "Cappiddazzu", and a disposal pit in Area D, both dating between the 8th and the 6th century BC. In the latter context, palynological analyses were also performed. The study allows to reconstruct sacred and secular aspects of human-environment interactions of Phoenicians at Motya, also providing information regarding past environment. Concerning the ritual sphere, ceremonial meals likely accompanied animal sacrifices. Food and flower offerings are also attested. Interesting is the finding of officinal plants and plants toxic to livestock. From the secular perspective, information was gathered on human diet, crop processing, import products and land exploitation. Finally, a combination of palynology and anthracology has allowed to describe the environment and highlight changes that occurred with time
Flora Antiqua. Plants and paleo-environment in central Mediterranean colonies
Full text linkThis study represents a review of archaeobotanical data available on Central Mediterranean sites between 1600 BC and the 5th century AD. Plant fossils allow us to analyze past vegetation, paleodiets and human-driven changes on the environment, such as the introduction of new plants
Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of a Phoenician site: archaeobotany at Motya (Sicily, Italy)
Full text linkLa presente tesi di dottorato riguarda le analisi archeobotaniche dei materiali provenienti dal sito archeologico di Mozia, una piccola isola (ca. 40 ha) collocata nello Stagnone di Marsala, in Sicilia occidentale. Grazie alla sua posizione strategica e riparata, al centro del Mediterraneo, e alla presenza di sorgenti d’acqua dolce, il sito è stato scelto come insediamento dai Fenici nell’VIII sec. a.C. fino all’assedio di Mozia nel 397/6 a.C. Lo studio dei macro-resti, separati attraverso flottazione, si è concentrato su due contesti chiusi: una favissa votiva sul lato sud-ovest del Tempio del Cappiddazzu (dedicato a Melqart/Herakles), ed un butto nell’Area D, entrambi databili tra l’VIII e il VI sec. a.C. Lo studio ha fornito un ampio set di dati che ha permesso la ricostruzione di diversi aspetti delle interazioni uomo ambiente dei Fenici a Mozia. Per quanto riguarda la sfera rituale, i sacrifici animali erano presumibilmente accompagnati da banchetti cerimoniali. Un’alta concentrazione di piante officinali è probabilmente correlata agli aspetti guaritori che il dio Melqart assumeva a Mozia. Il ritrovamento di numerosi taxa tossici per il bestiame risulta interessante, suggerendo il loro utilizzo per stordire gli animali prima di sacrificarli. È inoltre attestata la presenza di resti relative a offerte di frutti (Vitis vinifera) e fiori (Verbena officinalis), come anche di piante ornamentali (Cupressus cf. sempervirens). Dalla prospettiva secolare, la dieta umana era composta da cereali (principalemente frumenti nudi), legumi e frutta. Le piante infestanti di diverse dimensioni (tra cui Lolium temulentum e Phalaris ssp.) e i resti di pula, attribuibili a diverse fasi di lavorazione del raccolto, indicano che questa venisse svolta quotidianamente prima della consumazione. Questo aspetto è arricchito dal ritrovamento di polline di cereali, il quale suggerisce che la trebbiatura (se non anche la coltivazione) venisse svolta sul sito.
Anche la palinologia permette di ricostruire un ambiente aperto, con poca o nessuna copertura forestale, caratterizzato da complesse attività antropiche. L’antracologica suggerisce la presenza di taxa tipici dell’area mediterranea. La presenza di un pinolo e di Pinus pinea/pinaster nella pioggia pollinica è degna di nota, suggerendo la presenza locale di questi pini mediterranei al di fuori del loro areale di distribuzione. Questo rappresenta il primo ritrovamento di questo tipo nel Mediterraneo centrale. I resti fossili consentono anche un confronto tra l'ambiente passato e presente di Mozia. La scomparsa di Juniperus sp. ed Erica arborea dai dintorni dell'attuale Stagnone di Marsala sembra essere correlata allo sfruttamento eccessivo del suolo, all’aridificazione o a una combinazione dei due fattori.
Infine, il ruolo dei Fenici nella diffusione e nel commercio della vite è stato analizzato attraverso delle analisi morfometriche sui semi di Vitis vinifera rinvenuti nel butto dell’area D. Questi sono stati confrontati a campioni conservati per sommersione provenienti da altri due siti del Mediterraneo occidentale caratterizzati da influenze fenicie, Nuraghe S’Urachi (Sardegna, Italia) e Huelva (Spagna).
I campioni archeobotanici sono stati confrontati con dieci cultivar del “Vivaio Federico Paulsen: Centro Regionale per la Conservazione della Biodiversità Agraria” di Marsala (Sicilia occidentale), selezionati come materiale moderno di riferimento.
Le analisi delle componenti principali (PCA) hanno permesso un confronto tra siti, dimostrando che i campioni provenienti da essi sono chiaramente distinguibili in base alla loro morfologia. Questo indica l’utilizzo di diverse varietà, il quale può essere dovuto a numerosi fattori. Le analisi statistiche della forma dei semi d’uva mostrano che i campioni archeologici sono confrontabili morfologicamente a quelli delle varietà moderne, suggerendone la descrizione come “fortemente addomesticati”. Tuttavia, non è stata trovata alcuna apparente corrispondenza con dei cultivar moderni. Ciò è in parte legato alla dimensione limitata della collezione di riferimento, ai secoli di storia che hanno avuto un impatto sulla diversità della vite e ai fattori tafonomici.The present PhD thesis concerns the archaeobotanical analysis of materials found in the archaeological site of Motya, a small island (ca. 40 ha) located in the Stagnone di Marsala, a coastal lagoon of western Sicily. Due to its strategic, harbored position in the middle of the Mediterranean and the presence of fresh-water springs, the site was chosen by Phoenicians as a settlement in the 8th century BC until the siege of Motya in 397/6 BC.
The study of macro-remains, retrieved using bucket flotation, focused on two closed contexts: a votive favissa found on the SW side of the Temple of Cappiddazzu (dedicated to Melqart/Herakles), and a big disposal pit in Area D, both dating between the 8th and the 6th century BC. In the latter context, palynological analyses were also performed. The study has yielded a wide set of data which allows to reconstruct different aspects of the human-environment interaction of Phoenicians at Motya.
Concerning the ritual sphere, animal sacrifices were likely accompanied by ceremonial meals. A high concentration of officinal plants is probably correlated to the salvific aspects of Melqart at Motya. Interesting is the find of numerous plants toxic to livestock, which suggests their use to stun animals before sacrificing them. Remains referable to fruit (Vitis vinifera) and flower
offerings (Verbena officinalis), as well as ornamental (Cupressus cf. sempervirens) plants are also attested.
From the secular perspective, human diet was comprised of cereals (mostly naked wheat), pulses and fruits. Different-sized weeds (such as Lolium temulentum and Phalaris ssp.) and chaff remains, referable to different stages of crop processing, indicate that crop processing was carried out daily before consumption. This aspect is enriched by the find of cereal pollen, which suggests that
threshing (if not even cultivation) was carried on site.
Palynology also indicates an open environment, with little to no forest cover, characterized by complex anthropogenic activities.
Anthracology suggests the presence of typical Mediterranean plant taxa. The presence of a stone pine nut and of Pinus pinea/pinaster in the pollen rain is noteworthy, suggesting the local occurrence of these Mediterranean pines outside their native distribution range. This represents the first such find in the central Mediterranean. Fossil evidence also allows a comparison of Motya’s past and present environment. The disappearance of Juniperus sp. and Erica arborea from the present-day surroundings of the Marsala lagoon appears to be related to land-overexploitation, aridification or on a combination of the two.
Finally, the role of Phoenicians in the spread and trade of grapevine was investigated through morphometric analyses of the Vitis vinifera seeds retrieved from the disposal pit in Area D. These were compared to waterlogged samples from the western Mediterranean sites of Nuraghe S’Urachi (Sardinia, Italy) and Huelva (Spain), associated to Phoenician expansion and cultural interaction. Archaeobotanical samples were compared to ten chosen cultivars from the “Vivaio Federico Paulsen: Centro Regionale per la Conservazione della Biodiversità Agraria” in Marsala (western Sicily), selected as modern reference material.
PCA analyses allowed an inter-site comparison, showing that samples from the three sites are clearly distinguishable based on their morphology. This indicates the use of different varieties which may be due to different factors. Statistical analyses of pip outlines show that archaeological material from these sites is morphologically comparable to that of modern varieties, suggesting that the archaeological finds may be described as “strongly domesticated”. Nonetheless, no apparent correspondence to modern cultivars was found. This is partly related to the limited size of the reference collection, to the centuries of history that have had an impact on grape diversity, and to taphonomic factors
Archaeobotanical evidence of funerary plant offerings at the Southern Etrurian Necropolis of “Valle Santa nell’Agro Veientano” (Rome, Italy)
Full text linkThe present study concerns the archaeobotanical analysis of soil samples and vase fillings from Etruscan tombs from the Necropolis of “Valle Santa nell’Agro Veientano”, found along via di Boccea, north of Rome (Italy). While the site was in use between the Archaic and Late Roman Age, the studied vestibule tombs belong to the Etruscan necropolis (second half of the 6th – beginning of the 4th centuries BC). Archaeological data, based on the incineration rite and funerary equipment, suggest that these were used by one high-status family (or two) originally from Veio. Carpological analyses reveal the presence of food plants comprised of cereals, pulses and fruits. Furthermore, anthracological data give indications concerning the past environment, with a prevalence of deciduous and semi-deciduous oaks, accompanied by other taxa such as evergreen oaks, hornbeam, ash and Rosaceae Prunoideae. This is in accordance with the present-day vegetation of northern Latium. Finally, remains of synanthropic weeds (e.g., Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae and Polygonaceae) suggest a heavily anthropized environment. This study represents a step forward in the understanding of the still under-explored human-plant interactions of Etruscans
The influence of environmental parameters in the biocolonization of the Mithraeum in the roman masonry of casa di Diana (Ostia Antica, Italy)
No full textCARPOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SANTI QUATTRO CORONATI PIT (ROME, ITALY)
No full textResults of archaeobotanical analyses carried out in a Renaissance pit situated in the Santi Quattro Coronati complex in Rome are presented. The study focuses on carpological remains, preserved through mummification by desiccation. The complex, first attest- ed in 499 AD, underwent a long series of transformations and ad- ditions over the course of the centuries. In the 13th century it was divided between a monastery filiated with the Umbrian Abbey of Sassovivo and a vast palace, meant to host the cardinals. Starting from 1564 the complex hosted the Conservatory of the Orphan Girls, run by Augustinian Nuns, who still guard the complex.
The area under analysis derives from the partial closure of the stair- case of a Carolingian tower set in the eastern side of the complex. This was used as a disposal pit during the 16th and 17th centuries, in correspondence of the occupation by the court of the cardinals and perhaps the Orphan Girls. The tower was emptied during ex- cavations carried out in 1996, leading to the identification of five stratigraphic units. After a rough selection of the remains, the rest of the sediment was deposited in sealed buckets and stored in the context of retrieval.
Part of the material belonging to stratigraphic units 3 and 4 was se- lected for analysis. The material was first sieved and later handpicked.
Approximately 6,000 well-preserved fragments of seeds and fruits, belonging to 35 taxa, mostly identified at species level and attribut- ed to 18 different plant families were identified. The main findings are represented by Pastinaca sativa (parsnip), Juglans regia (walnut) and Vitis vinifera (grape). Except for a few wild species, the plant assemblage is rich in diet remains. These include cereals, such as oat (Avena fatua/sterilis), legumes, with a prevalence of faba beans (Vicia faba – var. major), fruits, including peaches (Prunus persica), walnuts (Juglans regia), pomegranates (Punica granatum), as well as spices, including fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). A peculiar finding is constituted by New World species.
The good state of conservation of the botanical remains in the San- ti Quattro Coronati pit, as well as their abundance, are correlated to the favourable thermo-hygrometric conditions found in the tower. The botanical assemblage confirms the high social status of the inhabitants of the complex at the time of usage of the pit.
The presence of New World species identifies the complex as one of the first landmarks where goods were brought to from the newly discovered continent
Changes in human-plant interactions in central Italy over time: collection and comparison of published and unpublished archaeobotanical data
No full textRecent advancements in the field of archaeobotany have significantly enhanced our understanding of the historical
interactions between humans and plants in Italy. This includes insights into ancient diets, resource selection, introduction of allochthonous economic plants, and their ceremonial applications. Despite the diffusion of archaeobotanical
research, accessing this information remains challenging due to its dispersion across various scientific papers and
archaeological reports, with the latter being particularly difficult to obtain. Moreover, this data is typically restricted to
isolated findings or specific sites, which complicates the assembly of a comprehensive historical perspective.
The establishment of the Botanical Record of Archaeobotany Italian Network (BRAIN) in 2015 marks a significant
stride towards consolidating information about historical human-plant relations across Italy. This collaborative network and database compiles an extensive inventory of archaeological sites, detailing their specific locations, chronological context, culture, and the array of archaeobotanical research carried out, complete with bibliographic citations.
This database is regularly enriched with the latest scholarly contributions.
Within the scope of the PNRR PE5 CHANGES Spoke 8 and CN5 NBFC Spoke 3 projects, this study introduces
a georeferenced instrument designed to synthesize and compare data on plant macro-remains from archeological
and historical sites. This tool collates findings from both published sources within BRAIN and unpublished studies,
standardizing the information and categorizing it chronologically. Currently focusing on central Italy, the initiative is
set to expand and encompass the entire nation. By employing this newly formulated dataset, the process of reconstructing past dietary patterns and tracking the introduction of new species from the Neolithic period to the present
becomes more feasible and direct. Consequently, this will enhance our ability to trace traditional plant uses in the
past, including trade and importation showing origins and proliferation of archaeophytes and neophytes throughout
the Italian Peninsula
The dwarf palm tree of the king. A Nannorrhops ritchiana in the 24th-23rd century BC palace of Jericho
Full text linkCharred botanical finds from the excavation of the Early Bronze Age city of Jericho (Tell es-Sultan), one of the earliest urban centers of 3rd millennium BC Palestine, were collected during the 2015-2017 excavation seasons carried out by Sapienza University of Rome and the Palestinian MoTA-DACH. Among other plant macro-remains, a round fruit was found in the subsidiary room behind the throne room of Royal Palace G, next to a vase, in the burnt filling overlying the platform. It was identified as a drupe of a dwarf palm, through classical archaeobotanical techniques and computed tomography scan. Two dwarf palms were taken into consideration: the Mediterranean dwarf palm (Chamaerops humilis L.) and the Mazari palm (Nannorrhops ritchiana (Griff.) Aitch. native to the Saharo-Indian region), both with small, round/oval fruits, none of which currently grows in the area of Jericho. A detailed analysis of iconography, archaeobotanical literature and herbarium samples of both species stored in Rome (RO), Florence (FIAF) and Edinburgh (E), has allowed to identify the charred drupe as Nannorrhops ritchiana. Its presence in the palace suggests the existence of an overland commercial track to the south-east, across the desert of Saudi Arabia, which only recent excavations and other finds have revealed
Evaluation of the efficacy of micro-magnetic resonance imaging compared with light microscopy to investigate the anatomy of modern and ancient waterlogged wood
Full text linkLight microscopy is the conventional method used to investigate wood anatomy, identify the wood taxon, and assess its conservation state. It generally requires the mechanical cut of thin sections from a sample to obtain informative images. When dealing with wooden artworks or ancient remains (e.g., archaeological waterlogged wood), it is important to avoid sample destruction. In this work the efficacy of micro-magnetic resonance imaging (μ-MRI) to investigate the anatomy of waterlogged wood is assessed in comparison with light microscopy. Images along the three anatomical directions (transverse, tangential and radial) of six modern wood species and one archaeological specimen of waterlogged wood (from the Neolithic site "La Marmotta") were obtained both by μ-MRI and light microscopy. μ-MRI images were acquired virtually selecting 2D slices along the three wood anatomical directions. A 3D reconstruction was derived from 2D μ-MRI images. Conventional light microscopy histology was obtained by manually cutting thin sections. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study in which high-resolution MR images and light microscopy images of the three anatomical directions of seven wood species are compared. The non-destructive μ-MRI approach allows to investigate the 2D and 3D topological organization of the whole waterlogged wood sample up to a resolution of 8 μm. Although the optical microscope attains higher image resolutions and remains superior in the observation of wood diagnostic characters, multi-parametric μ-MRI provides physiological investigation complementary to light microscopy, giving information concerning both a single section and the whole volume of the sample. The presented study may represent a starting point for further improvements of μ-MRI techniques applied to the non-destructive investigation of waterlogged wood samples, especially those of interest for cultural heritage
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