Cambios ambientales en los últimos 1800 años en el manglar de Neguanje, Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona, Caribe colombiano

We reconstructed changes in vegetation and climate conditions during the last 1800 years in a column of sediment 4 m deep (Playa Pozo sector, Neguanje Bay, Tayrona National Natural Park, department of Magdalena, Colombia). We characterized the main components (mineral elements, organic matter), micro-stratigraphy (types of organic matter), humidity variations (%), organic and inorganic carbon, and palynological associations (specifically pollen grains), and counted spores of fungi, algae, ferns, plant debris, and insects. The palynological associations (dominant elements) were defined and related to the current types of vegetation. The definition of the dominant groups in the palynological spectrum and their relationship with the current vegetation types was associated with the stratigraphic conditions of the sediments to detect the changes that occurred during this period. In the reconstruction of the paleoenvironments, we determined the relationship between the defined palynological associations and the stratigraphy of the sediments, the humidity (precipitation), and the covered area. For this purpose, we used the temperature calibration curves of the last 2000 years proposed by various authors. We did not recover enough palynomorphs at the base of the column between 400 and 380 cm deep (2000-1693 years BP), but organic components of marine origin predominated in the sediment, a condition associated with a warm period in the central and eastern Colombian Caribbean coastal environments. In zone I (1693-1294 years B.P.), the mangrove was consolidated and in zone II (1294-1078 years A.P.), it expanded with the vegetation of flooded areas. In zone III (1078-654 years B.P.), we detected the occurrence of the greatest mangrove development, especially by the dominant species Rhizophora mangle. In zones IV and V (654 years A.P.-present), the mangrove cover decreased. This period was less warm than the previous ones, similar to the prevailing conditions in the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta and its surroundings.

PALYNOLOGICAL STUDIES OF BRONZE AGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL OBJECTS FROM THE ISHKINOVKA MINING SITE

В статье приводятся результаты палинологических исследований археологических объектов бронзового века в районе Ишкининского медного рудника: разреза на поселении Ишкиновка и погребенных почв, сохранившихся под отвалами карьеров. Палинологические исследования образцов с поселения Ишкиновка позволили получить информацию о характере формирования культурного слоя поселения, образование которого связано с руинированием саманных построек с органическими перекрытиями. Особенности строительных материалов предопределили сложный многокомпонентный состав палинологических комплексов. Результаты палинологических исследований на Ишкининском руднике и поселении Ишкиновка хорошо согласуются с реконструируемой моделью их функционирования, в соответствии с которой выделяется не менее трех этапов разработки Ишкининского месторождения на протяжении ПБВ. Каждому из выделенных хронологических этапов соответствует самобытный палинологический спектр, отражающий динамику природно-климатической ситуации в районе исследований. Эти данные надежно верифицируются результатами радиоуглеродного датирования погребенных почв, законсервированных под отвалами карьеров. The paper describes the results of palynological studies of Bronze Age archaeological assemblages discovered within the Ishkinovka copper mining center, i. e. the section at the Ishkinovka settlement, and the buried soils preserved under the dumps from the open-pit mines. Palynological studies of the samples from Ishkinovka helped obtain information on how the occupation layer at the settlement was formed. Its formation is linked to ruination of mudbrick constructions with organic roofing. Distinctive features of the construction materials predetermined a complex multi-component composition of palynological assemblages. The results of the palynological studies at the Ishkinovka mining site and the Ishkinovka settlement correlate well with the reconstructed model of their operation. At least three stages of the Ishkinovka deposit development during the Late Bronze Age have been singled out. Each identified chronological stage corresponds to a distinctive palynological spectrum reflecting changes over time in the natural and climatic situation in the studied region. These data are reliably verified by the radiocarbon dating of the buried soils preserved under the dumps of the open-pit mines.

Pollen analysis as evidence for Herod’s Royal Garden at the Promontory Palace, Caesarea

This study is the first to successfully address the identification of the botanical components of a garden in the 2000-year-old palatial courtyard of Herod the Great's Promontory Palace in Caesarea Maritima. Based on the extraction and identification of fossil pollen grains, we were able to reconstruct at least part of the garden's flora, which, we argue, could only have grown within the confines of a garden of this splendid seaside palace which was protected architecturally from salty sea spray. The palynological spectrum included, among other taxa, high percentages of Cupressaceae pollen (cypress) as well as pollen of the non-local tree Corylus sp. (hazelnut), which was most probably introduced as an ornamental from the northeast Mediterranean or from Italy. These trees appear to have been accompanied by other ornamental plants (e.g. Salvia and various Rosaceae plants). The choice of flora to be planted in the garden is consistent with our knowledge of prestige Roman gardens dated to Herod's time. This exceptional and magnificent palace, with its luxurious architectural features and its impressive, well-maintained garden, symbolized the power and the abilities of King Herod, the greatest builder in ancient Jewish history.

Palynology and Archaeology of Late Vistulian and Early Holocene Sites in Lubuskie Lake District, Western Poland

The Lubuskie Lake District played an important part in recolonisation of the Polish Plain due to its location and the character of the terrain. Despite that, it is and especially its northern part, poorly explored regarding both history of Late Glacial and early Holocene settlements, and the natural environment. The paper presents results of multidisciplinary research in this area. The most spectacular discoveries were connected with remains of settlements of the Hamburgian culture societies at Myszęcin - currently the richest site of this culture over the entire North European Plain. In the vicinity of this site several Late Palaeolithic and Mesolithic settlements of varied functions were recorded. First palynological records came from the Younger Dryas sediments in this area. In a log with a palynological spectrum comprising Younger Dryas and the beginning of the Holocene, a charcoal dust was found and it could indicate human activity as humans lived at a lake shore. An important complement to the image of the Late Glacial settlement at the Lubuskie Lake District was provided by the research near Lubrza that resulted in data regarding settlements of the Federmesser and Świderian culture societies. This region was not typical in a palynological spectrum of deposits during Allerød but also indicated highly diversified thickness of basal peat in a small area.