 |
 |
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]