New insights about economic plants during the 6th–2nd centuries bc in Sardinia, Italy

A research project carried out in Santa Giusta lagoon, Sardinia, since 2005 has revealed the presence of Phoenician and Punic waterlogged archaeological contexts of exceptional importance. Several transport amphorae, together with Punic coarse pottery and materials typical of funerary and votive contexts have been recovered. Two principal deposition phases have been distinguished, the first one dated to the 6th–5th century bc and the second dated to the 3rd−2nd century bc. The waterlogged conditions favoured the preservation of plant remains such as Citrullus lanatus, Corylus avellana, Juglans regia, Juniperus oxycedrus, Lagenaria siceraria, Olea europaea, Pinus pinea, P. halepensis, Prunus dulcis, P. domestica, P. spinosa and Vitis vinifera. Many amphorae contained ovine/caprine bones with slaughter or butchering marks, associated with grapes and other juicy fruits that have been interpreted as possible ingredients used as meat preservatives. This study provides information on the management of plants of economic importance for the Phoenician and Punic communities in Sardinia.