Hi Stefanie,
I've found several mineralised and waterlogged remains of cypress in Pompeii. This is a reference from my PhD in which I also mention Pignatti's opinion on the introduction of cypress in Italy. I'm really sure on which evidence this is based one as he doesn't give a reference
"Another plant that seems to have been used as a dyeing agent and to cure snake bites is the cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) (fig. 64). Its oil had the same use as myrtle oil (Pliny NH XXIII. 88). Pounded leaves were applied to fresh wounds and, together with vinegar, they turned hair black. Most importantly, its cones were taken in drinks for snake bites (Pliny NH XXIV. 15). Both its seeds and scales were found at Villa Vesuvio. Pignatti (1982) does not regard the cypress as a native plant and suggests that the Etruscans probably imported it to Italy. It is, therefore, of interest that remains of the plant are frequently found at Pompeii, even in samples from pre-AD 79 levels (Ciaraldi 1997)."
Pignatti, S. 1982 Flora d’Italia, Bologna, Edagricole
Best wishes
Marina
-----Original Message-----
From: Stefanie Jacomet [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Mon 27/01/2003 08:36
To: [log in to unmask]
Cc:
Subject: Cupressus - Cypress
Hallo,
does anybody of you know something about the spread of cypresses
through human impact? When did the species reach the more western parts
of the mediterranean?
I would be gratful for litarature citations or informations in any form!
Best regards
Stefanie Jacomet
Prof. Dr. Stefanie Jacomet
Seminar für Ur- und Frühgeschichte
Universität Basel
Abteilung Archäobiologie/Archäobotanik
Spalenring 145
CH-4055 Basel
Tel: +41 61 201 02 11/handy +41 79 322 39 17
Fax: +41 61 201 02 35
email: [log in to unmask]
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