Articles by Marta Bandini Mazzanti

The reconstruction of the main features of the past landscape surrounding the archaeological site of Roselle-Salica during the Etruscan, Roman, and Medieval periods was achieved through targeted stratigraphic sampling and detailed palynological analyses. The archaeopalynological research carried out for this study included field surveys and pollen sampling, stratigraphic descriptions, and laboratory palynological analyses. Interpretation was developed through the integration of geomorphological, chronological, archaeological, floristic, and vegetation data. The pollen samples from test excavations 1000 and 2000 (pollen series T10 and T20) made it possible to document generally low woodland cover, the widespread distribution of heathlands, the presence of wet environments and Mediterranean elements, thus delineating a partially anthropogenic landscape characterised by limited cereal cultivation and more extensive areas used for grazing. The environmental reconstruction, defining forest-cover transformation and specific landscape features, is also discussed in relation to occupational phases and land use by the populations inhabiting the area within the chronological framework of the project.