Non-Pollen Palynomorphs from the Tiber delta area as indicators of past human activity

Abstract

Abstract: This research paper on Non-Pollen Palynomorph was conducted in Tiber delta (Rome, central Italy). Specifically, sediments from Lingua d'Oca-Interporto (LOI) near Fiumicino airport. By using palynological approach of Non-Pollen Palynomorph the relationship between humans' cultural behavior with the surrounding environment were studied. Thus, the main objectives of the research were to reconstruct the livestock activity of the area by focusing coprophilous fungi and also to evaluate the importance of NPP in the understanding of paleoenvironmental reconstruction. In order to have adequate coverage of the lithological phases and to have good coverage of the environments identified by the pollen record, 25 samples were selected for NPPs analysis ca. 10 cm interval along the whole sedimentary sequence. As a result, the sequence from Stagno di Maccarese reveals a total of 1563 Non-Pollen Palynomorphs. A total of 58 taxonomical groups were recognized with the highest number represented by fungal spores, plant fragments, spores of algae and animal remains. Cercophora sp., cf. Endophragmiella, Coniochaeta cf. ligniaria and cf. round charcoal is the most frequent palynomorph in the samples. According to the research, the findings of the study provide new insights to reveal the subsistence selection of prehistoric humans and the history of livestock habitation in the surrounding archaeological sites. In conclusion, the identified NPPs shows the continual presence of animals in the past landscapes, supporting the evidence of pastures and livestock activities in the region. It also recorded the presence and the effect of humans on the landscape of the region with other natural factors.