Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of a Phoenician site: archaeobotany at Motya (Sicily, Italy)

La 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)

The 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

Early Arrival of New World Species Enriching the Biological Assemblage of the Santi Quattro Coronati Complex (Rome, Italy)

This paper reports the archaeobotanical and archaeozoological data from a disposal pit, whose use started after the partial closure of a staircase, and from a mortar surface within a former porch in the Santi Quattro Coronati complex in Rome, Italy. The two contexts were in use in the Early Modern Age, when the complex served as a cardinal seat. The element that distinguishes the Santi Quattro Coronati from other contemporaneous contexts is the presence of New World species, until now only hypothesized based on a letter sent by the first resident bishop in Santo Domingo to Lorenzo Pucci, then cardinal with the titulus of the Santi Quattro Coronati. Pumpkin seeds (Cucurbita pepo and C. maxima/moschata) were found in the pit, while a pelvis of guinea pig (Cavia porcellus) was found in a former porch. Numerous archaeobotanical remains preserved by mummification, identified mostly as food, and many archaeozoological specimens were found in the pit. Based on the data, it is hypothesized that the pit was used mainly as a deposit for table waste. The results as a whole help towards the investigation of the eating customs and daily habits of a Renaissance high-status clerical community

The Neolithic site “La Marmotta”. DNA metabarcoding to identify the microbial deterioration of waterlogged archeological wood

Introduction: The evaluation of biological degradation of waterlogged archeological wood is crucial to choose the conservative and protective treatments to be applied to the wooden material. The waterlogged environmental conditions are characterized by oxygen scarcity, only allowing the growth of adapted microbes capable to degrade the organic wooden material, mainly erosion bacteria and softrot fungi. In this work, we characterized and evaluated the biodegradation state and the microbial communities of wooden fragments preserved in storage tanks. These were preserved by waterlogging within the Neolithic village “La Marmotta,” currently found under the Bracciano Lake (Lazio, Italy). Methods: The waterlogged wood samples were first identified taxonomically with an optical microscope, also allowing an evaluation of their preservation state. The microbial community was then evaluated through the sequencing of Internal Transcribed Spacer sequences for fungi and 16S for bacteria with the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) MinION platform. Results: The identified microbial community appears to be consistent with the waterlogged samples, as many bacteria attributable to the erosion of wood and ligninolytic fungi have been sequenced. Discussion: The reported results highlight the first use of targeted metabarcoding by ONT applied to study the biodeterioration of waterlogged archeological wood

The first extensive study of an Imperial Roman Garden in the city of Rome. The Horti Lamiani

This paper presents the first systematic results of integrated plant macrofossil and pollen analyses from the Horti Lamiani (1st-3rd century ce), an aristocratic residence with a luxury garden which was established on the Esquilino (Esquiline Hill) in Rome during the time of the first Emperor, Caesar Augustus (27 bce-14 ce) and later became one of the most famous Imperial gardens around the ancient city. Different types of plant remains such as charcoal, seeds and fruits and pollen were recovered from pits and pots in the garden and reflect the presence of plants there. There seem to have been ornamental shrubs which were probably grown as decorative modelled hedges and/or isolated bushes, as well as cultivated trees. Several ornamental flowering plants grew in pots. Although this archaeobotanical assemblage could represent some patches of wild vegetation still growing in the study area at the time of the Imperial garden, it is likely that most of the identified plants were intentionally planted and organised to create a glimpse of the past wild landscape of Rome. They have special characteristics, such as bearing coloured flowers or fruits and offering shade, that made them suitable for embellishing a magnificent garden. Moreover this reflects the Roman desire to control nature, testified by the expansion of luxury gardens during the Imperial period and the spread of decorative horticultural techniques, like the miniaturisation of trees and shaping of trees and shrubs by topiary

First Documentation of Life Cycle Completion of the Alien Rust Pathogen Melampsoridium hiratsukanum in the Eastern Alps Proves Its Successful Establishment in This Mountain Range

Melampsoridium hiratsukanum is an alien rust fungus which has spread pervasively throughout several European countries following introduction into North Europe at the end of the 20th century. The authenticity of several records of the Melampsoridium species infecting alder (Alnus spp.) in the northern hemisphere is questionable, due to the misidentification and confusion that surround many of the older reports. Given this complicated taxonomic history, and since a M. hiratsukanum-like rust is strongly impacting Alnus incana stands in the Alps, probably affecting the bank protection role of this species along rivers, the unambiguous identification of this pathogen was a pressing epidemiological and ecological issue. In this study, field surveys, light (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and molecular characterization were put together in an attempt to solve the conundrum. Field monitoring data, LM and SEM analyses of key taxonomic traits (length of ostiolar cells of uredinium, uredinio-spore shape and size, spore echinulation, number and position of germ pores) and ITS-rDNA sequence-based identification, convergently and unambiguously connected the rust that is causing the current epidemic to the non-native M. hiratsukanum. We documented the completion of the M. hiratsukanum life cycle on its two taxonomically unrelated broadleaf/conifer hosts. This is the first report of M. hiratsukanum from naturally infected Larix decidua in Europe

The high potential of micro-magnetic resonance imaging for the identification of archaeological reeds. The case study of Tutankhamun

This study explores the potential of micro-magnetic resonance imaging ( -MRI) for identifying archaeological reeds found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Reed plants had various historical uses in the past, with ancient Egyptians extensively employing them for crafting a wide range of items. The distinct cross-sectional characteristics of Arundo donax (giant reed) and Phragmites australis (common reed) are observed and described via optical microscopy and  -MRI in this study. While optical microscopy offers higher resolution,  -MRI provides advantages for studying archaeobotanical specimens, as it eliminates the need for mechanical sectioning and potentially damaging fragile samples. The application of  -MRI on a selected archaeological reed allowed us to identify it as Phragmites australis, showing that  -MRI can yield clear images, maintaining the integrity of the sample. In contrast, diagnostic features appeared greatly deformed on the thin section observed via optical microscopy. Despite the limitations related to the sample size and the need for sample soaking,  -MRI presents a valuable tool for analyzing archaeological remains in the field of cultural heritage, with the potential for broader applications. Overall, this study contributes to expanding the toolkit available to researchers studying plant remains, providing insights into reed identification and preservation in archaeological contexts

Archeobotanica e bioantropologia. Le potenzialità della VR e della stampa 3D nella valorizzazione di resti organici

Con il termine archeobiologia si intende un complesso di discipline che riguarda lo studio dei resti archeologici di origine organica, fra cui quelli umani e quelli botanici. I resti organici ricoprono un ruolo fondamentale nello scavo archeologico: sono in grado di documentare e risolvere alcuni dei temi fondamentali del rapporto uomo-ambiente, fornendo informazioni circa alcuni aspetti sociali, economici e tecnologici. Tuttavia, sono difficili da conservare e maneggiare, e non sempre apprezzabili attraverso un’analisi macroscopica. Obiettivo di questo lavoro è stato quello di sviluppare un protocollo riproducibile utilizzando metodi innovativi, non invasivi e non distruttivi, per la valorizzazione tecnologica, la didattica e la divulgazione di questa tipologia di materiali. Sono state analizzate le procedure necessarie alla realizzazione di allestimenti digitali leggeri ma di grande impatto, unendo le caratteristiche di differenti tipologie di tecnologie e media, multimediali e fisici, come ad esempio visori per la realtà virtuale e stampanti 3D. Sono stati realizzati dei modelli 3D digitali sia di crani umani, per mostrare le differenze morfologiche fra il sesso biologico femminile e maschile, sia di granuli pollinici di diversi taxa vegetali, per renderli visibili senza utilizzare strumenti di microscopia, permettendo inoltre di visualizzarne la forma tridimensionale. Le elaborazioni sono state caricate in un ambiente virtuale, fruibile attraverso visore HMD con tecnologia touchless per VR, e stampate in 3D. In questo modo i resti organici sono stati resi accessibili e manipolabili, virtualmente e fisicamente, grazie all’utilizzo di tecnologie avanzate e metodologie di narrazione e gamification. Questo permette di facilitarne la comprensione, favorendone l’utilizzo a scopo didattico o informativo. In particolare, i modelli 3D possono facilitare la fruizione di oggetti altrimenti difficili da percepire, permettendo di rendere accessibili a tutti i pubblici questa tipologia di materiali e ad esempio realizzare visite tattili. Le applicazioni (visore e stampe 3D) sono già state presentate al pubblico in diversi eventi e manifestazioni culturali sul territorio nazionale. Questo ha permesso di testare una serie di soluzioni per verificarne efficacia e capacità di coinvolgimento, anche attraverso la compilazione di un questionario di SUS (System Usability Scale) atto a rilevare il livello di usabilità del sistema. Lo studio ha consentito di ottenere parametri operativi e metriche di impatto, così da ottimizzare il processo di valorizzazione delle potenzialità dell’antropologia fisica e dell’archeobotanica

Elite food between the Late Middle Ages and Renaissance. Some case studies from Latium

The study of plant and animal remains from archaeological sites provides important evidence about past human diets and habits: this includes species selection, food preparation, consumption and disposal practices. Furthermore, such information may also provide inferences about social status. Data from refuse disposal features identified in some elite contexts in central Italy – a high-status residence in Celleno Vecchio (Viterbo) and the Baglioni-Santacroce castle in Graffignano (Viterbo), both in northern Latium, as well as the Santi Quattro Coronati ecclesiastical complex in Rome – allow to explore, using archaeobotanical, archaeozoological and genetic data, some of the different ways in which people expressed wealth by means of food during a period between the late Middle Ages and Renaissance

Sacred and secular aspects of Phoenicians' life at Motya (Sicily, Italy) inferred by multidisciplinary archaeobotanical analyses

The 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