Cultural landscape and plant use at the Phoenician site of Motya (Western Sicily, Italy) inferred from a disposal pit

Abstract The present study concerns the Phoenician-Punic site of Motya, a small island set in Western Sicily (Italy), Marsala Lagoon (Stagnone di Marsala), between Trapani and Marsala. A big disposal pit, datable to first half 8th mid-6th century bc , was identified Area D. This context sampled for plant macro-remains through bucket flotation. Palynological treatment analysis were also performed on soil samples collected from each filling layers. combination macro- micro-remains has shown be effective answering questions concerning introduced food plants agricultural practices, native plants, including timber use. Here we investigate if waste can provide information about Phoenicians at Motya their impact local communities. We found that human diet included cereals (mostly naked wheat), pulses fruits. focus placed weeds (including Lolium temulentum Phalaris spp.) referable different stages crop processing. aspect enriched by finding cereal pollen, which suggests threshing (if not even cultivation) carried out site. Palynology indicates an open environment, with little no forest cover, characterized complex anthropogenic activities. Anthracology presence typical Mediterranean taxa, only shrubs Pistacia lentiscus Erica multiflora but evergreen oaks. stone pine nut Pinus pinea / pinaster pollen rain is noteworthy, suggesting occurrence these pines outside distribution range. represents such find central Mediterranean. Finally, allows us compare Motya’s past environment one. disappearance Juniperus sp. arborea present-day surroundings lagoon appears related land-overexploitation, aridification or both processes.