Land Use and the Human Impact on the Environment in Medieval Italy
Edward M. Schoolman|Scott Mensing|Gianluca Piovesan
Modern narratives about changes in the Italian landscape during early Middle Ages have often been based on assumptions changing demography; loss and replacement of complex Roman economic, political agricultural systems; broader climate. Using fossil pollen taken from lake cores Rieti basin to reconstruct local ecological conditions, close examinations two discreet periods offer new insights into small-scale agriculture silvo-pastoralism that began late sixth seventh centuries. The deforestation ninth century, accompanied by an increase cultivation, was result a long-term accumulation territory under monastic control. fact these run counter prevailing climatic conditions underscores success human management environment.
Journal of Interdisciplinary History