Group for Vegetation History

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Our Working Group for Vegetation History at the Institute of Prehistoric and Early Historic Archaeology and Provincial Roman Archaeology at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich forms a link with archaeology. The team, consisting of PD Dr. Michael Peters, MSc Thilo Kappelmeyer, and Brigitte Hill, conducts research on the vegetation history and environmental conditions of past periods using pollen analyses. This work is made possible by the institute’s excellent infrastructure, including laboratory facilities and drilling equipment. Their tasks and methods can be summarized as follows:

Tasks of the Working Group

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1. Reconstruction of vegetation history

• Investigation of which plants occurred in the past.
• Identification of environmental changes caused by natural and human influences.

2. Analysis of human impact on the landscape

• Evidence of agriculture, deforestation, and land use.
• Identification of cultivated plants and their distribution.

3. Climate reconstruction

• Study of pollen deposits to reconstruct past climatic conditions.
• Comparison with other paleoecological data.

4. Investigation of archaeological sites

• Analysis of soil samples from settlements, graves, and peat bogs.
• Insights into diet, cultivation practices, and natural resources.

Methods of Palynology in Archaeology

1. Pollen analysis (palynology)

• Study of fossil pollen in sediments (e.g. from lakes, bogs, soils).
• Identification of plant species through microscopic analysis of pollen grains.
• Conclusions about past vegetation and climate conditions.

2. Phytolith analysis

• Study of silica structures in plants that are preserved in soils.
• Enables identification of grasses, cereals, and other cultivated plants.

3. Charcoal analysis (anthracology)

• Study of burnt wood remains to reconstruct forests and wood use.
• Evidence of fire and clearing activities.

4. Macro-remain analysis

• Study of seeds, fruits, and plant remains in archaeological layers.
• Insights into cultivated plants, diet, and environmental conditions.

5. Isotope analyses

• Analysis of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes in plant remains.
• Evidence of climatic conditions and agricultural irrigation methods.

Findings of these methods

• Changes in vegetation over long periods of time.
• Conclusions about climate change and environmental conditions.
• Evidence of agricultural activities and human interventions in nature.
• Identification of cultural landscapes and ancient settlement structures.
• Assessment of biodiversity in different periods.

In summary, a working group for palynology and vegetation history in archaeology enables a detailed reconstruction of past landscapes and their use by humans. These insights help to understand the interactions between environment and culture.