Studies on archaeological olive fruitstones from the Archaic and Punic periods (7th–3rd century bc) of Sardinia, Italy

Abstract Recent archaeological investigations in the lagunas di Santa Giusta and Mistras, waterlogged sites central-west Sardinia, Italy, have enabled recovery of archaeobotanical remains, exceptional terms quantity preservation, dated to Archaic Punic periods 7th–3rd century bc . Among finds was a significant amount Olea europaea fruitstones (endocarps), which are discussed here. The morphometric features these fruitstones, extrapolated by image analysis, were analysed statistically compared modern wild olive populations cultivars. Thanks it possible recognize presence O. var. sylvestris (wild olive) (cultivated from make suggestions about their use. Moreover, most cultivated type identified statistical analysis can be attributed group Sardinian cultivars, providing new data on origin cultivation use olives Sardinia.