THE DISCOVERY OF THE ROMAN SALT PANS OF CERVIA: INFORMATION FROM THE ARCHAEOBOTANICAL ANALYSIS

An important archaeological excavation (2014-2015) along the Adriatic road, which runs parallel to the coast, allowed to backdate the presence of the salt pans in Cervia (Ravenna) until the Roman republican period [1]. This result was possible thanks to a multiproxy study that involved archeology, geopedology, archaeobotany, archaeozoology and anthropology. The structures of the salt marshes were examined in order to to identify the woods used to make them [2]. The contribution of archaeobotanical analyzes on microremains (pollen and NPPs - 10 samples) and macroremains (seeds/fruits and charcoals - 20 samples) [3] was important for several reasons: a) to get information about landscape changes on the site; b) to support the reconstruction of the ancient coast line; c) to provide elements to support the presence of the Roman salt pans and other human activities. The evidence of hydrophytes and halophytes, in addition to the presence of peculiar NPPs, confirmed the permanence of the wooden artefacts in marine and brackish waters. Furthermore, when during mid-1st century AD this salt pan was neglected, other anthropic activities are highlighted, including those relating to burials.