Landscape Response to Dynamic Human Pressure in the Paliouras Lagoon, Halkidiki Peninsula, Macedonia, Greece

High-resolution pollen analysis of a sediment core recovered from Paliouras lagoon (Greece) allowed us to reconstruct the environmental dynamics Halkidiki peninsula during last 4000 years. Palynological results have been interpreted and compared with detailed historical data, showing distinct phases human-landscape interactions Bronze Age until recent times. Pollen spectra revealed an environment characterized by Mediterranean vegetation, mixed deciduous forest, pine stands Late 11th century CE. The first signs human impact were attested Archaic period cultivation Olea, Castanea, Vitis in inland study area. An intensive land management was highlighted arboriculture cereal (Secale Hordeum group) Roman Antique-Early Medieval times coincided less pressure due warfare-related crises, leading expansion forest abandonment fields colonized Amaranthaceae. A massive increase pastoral activities, suggested high percentages Cichorieae Ottoman period, is possibly linked significant demographic growth nearby city Thessaloniki 16th