The contribution of archaeological plant remains in tracing the cultural history of Mediterranean trees: The example of the Roman harbour of<i>Neapolis</i>
Emilia Allevato|Antonio Saracino|Silvio Fici|Gaetano Di Pasquale
In this paper, we present a detailed record of the plant remains recovered on palaeo-seafloors Neapolis harbour, spanning ≈700 years, between 2nd century BC and 5th AD, thus intersecting entire Roman Imperial Age. The site preserved many cultivated or cultivable remains, especially from food related trees. This particular feature provided opportunity to reconstruct puzzling history planting them economy, with respect production, market dietary habits. evidence suggests that Prunus persica, Castanea sativa, Juglans regia Pinus pinea were locally grown all along investigated period, testifying for well advanced arboriculture. A broad presence P. cones could be their large use as stoppers amphorae which probably was among driving force it actually influencing its original range. seafarers had extensive access dry fruit such walnut, hazelnut chestnut imperishable nature high energy density, would have been part food-stocks galleys. Chestnut consumption, attested throughout period in represents first strong archaeobotanical Western Mediterranean time. shed light cultural-social significance these fruits eaten mainly almost exclusively by low social classes. exceptional find Hyphaene thebaica time outside native range is also reported.
The Holocene