Cities as drivers of change in plant exploitation and landscape during Roman times: The case of Scallabis (western Iberia)

Abstract

Cities played a crucial role in spreading the new Roman way across a vast Empire. This included the dissemination of different crops and processed food products such as wine, olive oil and fish sauces. Besides, the concentration of population in cities put pressure on local resources, not just for food, but also for wood, needed for construction and fuel.

Differences between Bronze Age, Iron Age and Roman archaeobotanical assemblages from Alcáçova de Santarém (Portugal), in the former city of Scallabis, document changes in plant use and consumption which are illustrative of the socio-economic and environmental impacts of the Roman conquest. The increasing use of wood from trees, as evidenced by charcoal records, indicates a considerable loss of forest cover during Roman times, adding to the existing trend of deforestation. Differences in crops are also clear. While cereals, which were the main staples, remained the same, there was a diversification of pulses, fruits and condiments in the Roman levels. Most of these crops were already in Iberia before the conquest but they are not frequently recorded in sites from its westernmost areas and are absent in the Iron Age assemblages of Scallabis.

The archaeobotanical record of Alcáçova de Santarém demonstrates the impact of the Roman conquest on the exploitation and consumption of plant resources. Although landscape and socio-economic changes, influenced by Mediterranean models, preceded the Roman rule, these were enhanced in this period. Cities were key elements in this transformation. The study of urban areas like Scallabis shows how they were central to extensive networks through which people and ideas circulated, shaping new needs and preferences, which in turn posed significant challenges for fulfilment.