Garden Archaeology: Lights and shadows of the 30s–80s of the 20th century in the Vesuvian area

From an archaeological-conceptual perspective, the Roman garden can be considered a holistic artifact, a multifaceted representation of its society, and as such, it serves as a significant source of historical data. This statement is supported by considerations regarding the study of a garden. Indeed, when assessing a garden, it is essential to consider not only its physical characteristics but also the role of human intervention over time in modifying it. Consequently, it would be a misstep to study the garden only in its final phase which actually is the predominant approach in archaeology. Instead, it is imperative to perceive the Roman garden as a dynamic, holistic entity that has undergone continuous transformation.

Archaeobotany has found fertile ground in the Vesuvian area thanks to the exceptional burial conditions of the region's archaeological sites. In this study, we propose some reflections on the contributions of the two most seminal scholars in the field, Amedeo Maiuri and Wilhelmina Jashesmki. These scholars pioneered the integration of archaeology and botany, a concept that has come to be known as “Garden Archaeology”, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses with the eyes of modern researchers. A major aim of the present paper is to provide a balanced assessment of the merits and limitations of this approach.

Maiuri began to pay close attention to the diverse plant elements that were revealed during the archaeological excavations. In the reconstructions of the green areas, he attempted to insert plants that could approach the ancient flora, favouring the native species. The advancement of botanical techniques, compared to those available to Maiuri, greatly facilitated Jashemski's works, which rely on the idea that multidisciplinarity is a key word in Garden Archaeology.

The present paper will examine these issues by presenting the results obtained from the re-reading and in-depth examination of the study of Amedeo Maiuri's diaries of excavation, Wilhelmina Jashemski's memories, and modern scholars' accounts and comments on their activities.