Tracing Millennia of Flora and Land Use: Archaeo-Palynological Insights from Southern Italy

The archaeo-palynological investigations conducted across archaeological sites in Campania, Basilicata, and Sicily allows the reconstruction of millennial patterns of floristic diversity and land management in these regions (1). Sites were extracted from the BRAIN database, and 14 of them were selected for data elaboration based on the availability of pollen data produced by the Laboratory of Palynology and Palaeobotany of Modena (2). Pollen analysis yielded detailed palaeo-floristic lists that reflect the biodiversity, habitats, and ecosystems surrounding the settlements over time. These records provide evidence that palynology, when conducted at high taxonomic resolution, can operate effectively at the floristic level, enhancing our understanding of past plant communities and their diversity. Based on the arboreal/non arboreal ratio of all pollen identified in the spectra, it emerges that the landscapes in the study areas were already open in ancient times, with significant openness during the Roman period. This condition probably reflects both practical and aesthetic land-use choices, evidenced by the rise in plane tree (Platanus orientalis L.) and manna ash (Fraxinus ornus L.) pollen curves: these trees are known to have been used for their ornamental, functional, and symbolic value. Pollen of cultivated fruit trees and cereals points to more structured agricultural systems during Roman occupation, suggesting a deep human reshaping of the environment. These transformations in the terrestrial landscape find a parallel in changes observed in aquatic ecosystems. A particularly compelling example is the identification of white water-lily (Nymphaea alba L.) pollen in Hellenistic-Roman layers in Sicily. Once part of the island's freshwater ecosystems in the 3rd century BC, this species has not been recorded in the region since the 20th century. Its ancient presence and modern disappearance highlight the sensitivity of aquatic habitats to environmental and anthropogenic changes. Furthermore, region-specific pollen indicators reflect differing cultural and ecological paths: urban-agricultural signatures in Campania, Mediterranean-pastoral landscapes in Basilicata, and agro-pastoral systems in Sicily with a strong Mediterranean biodiversity component. These findings underscore the dynamic interplay between human societies and ecosystems across time, and the impact of cultural practices on biodiversity. Beyond reconstructing past environments, this research contributes to broader reflections on sustainability and conservation. The palaeo-floristic datasets can serve to identify the traditional vocation of a territory to compare with modern condition, offering critical insights into long-term biodiversity loss, resilience, and environmental changes (3). Pollen records—preserved in both archaeological and natural archives—are unique tools to answer not only questions of landscape archaeology, but also to support current conservation strategies for Mediterranean ecosystems facing ecological pressures. 1) E. Clò, A.M. Mercuri, J. Zappa, C. Ricucci, L. Braga, A. Florenzano (2025) Plants, 14, 1367. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants14091367 2) A.M Mercuri, E. Clò, J. Zappa, G. Bosi, E. Furia, C. Ricucci, M. Di Lena, F. Camerini, A. Florenzano (2024) Scientific Data, 11, 520. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03346-5 3) A.M. Mercuri, A. Florenzano, E. Clò, L. Braga, J. Zappa, M. Cremaschi., A. Zerboni (2025) Scientific Reports 15, 12587. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-97372-x 2