Wood use and forest resource management at Pompeii. Anthracological analyses in the area of Regio VII, Insula 14

Abstract

During the archaeological excavations of civici 1 to 4 of the Regio VII, Insula 14 of Pompeii, an extensive anthracological sampling, which involves different domestic spaces and structures, was carried out. This paper brings new elements to the knowledge of the past landscape and vegetation cover in the area and allows to reconstruct wood use strategies, for firewood and timber, in the not well-known context of past domestic daily life and shops productive activities. Overall, 2038 charcoal fragments were analysed, covering a broad chronology from the late 3rd century BC to 79 AD. Among them 24 plant taxa were identified, relating to both deciduous and evergreen trees. Our results partially confirm previous data about Pre-Roman and Roman Vesuvian landscape, but also present remarkable peculiarities, like the absence of remains of species such as cypress, cedar, or chestnut, which were broadly used in valuable carpentry. The existence of a high degree of selectivity, as regards both timber for building, furniture, artifacts making, and firewood was detected. The most used wood trees were Fagus (beech) and Abies (fir), followed by various meso-thermophilous broadleaved trees, a few Mediterranean evergreen species and some cultivated fruit plants (Olea, Juglans, and Vitis). Local inhabitants may have preferred these species as a consequence of various factors, including technical features, good availability and socio-cultural drivers.