The Pontine Marshes: An integrated study of the origin, history, and future of a famous coastal wetland in Central Italy

The Pontine Marshes (Central Italy) are known for their long drainage history starting early in Roman times and culminating reclamation ( bonifica integrale) by the Fascist’s regime under Mussolini, mostly 1930s of past century. geology this coastal wetland causes its problems received limited attention till recently. We reviewed results from recent studies, identified still existing knowledge gaps performed additional research to fill these, produce a full description Holocene these marshes. Massive coring data that served map soils surficial geology, observations archaeological excavations, analytical on soil sediment characteristics, radiocarbon datings allowed us distinguish several phases history, with main break Republican period first systematic works. Earlier, natural processes brought about sea level rise largely controlled drainage. Once artificial started, subsidence became an important process, aggravating problems. introduced mechanical drainage, temporarily masking impacts subsidence. quantified historical using DTMs developed scenarios 2100 2200, assuming will be mitigated defence system enhanced capacity Our demonstrate role throughout need include rise.