Archaeopalynological evidence from the Holy Sepulcher area: preliminary results

Background. The Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher, in the Christian quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem (Israel), represents an extraordinary site in terms of historical and cultural importance. An archaeological excavation connected with the restoration of the floor of the Basilica is being carried out by Sapienza University of Rome in accordance with the Communities who have custody of the Holy Sepulcher and licensed by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The archaeological study involves the comprehensive collection of all plant materials recovered during the excavation, including pollen. It is a rare opportunity to provide a paleoenvironmental reconstruction, the first palynological evidence from the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher. In fact, of the archeopalynological research conducted in the Israeli region, only two studies have been conducted in the city of Jerusalem (Langgut et al., 2013; Kisilevitz et al., 2017). The purpose of this study is to enrich the information given by the study of macroremains in order to understand and reconstruct the past environment and the human impact from the pre-Basilica time to the Crusader. Methods. Soil samples were directly collected adopting blanket sampling and sterile vials. A known quantity of Lycopodium spores was added to each weighted sample to estimate the concentration of pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs). To obtain clearer slides, sample residues were sieved using a 10 μm nylon sieve and immersed in an ultrasonic bath. A transmitted light optical microscope with variable magnifications (400x and 630x) was used for the identification of pollen grains. Results. This preliminary palynological analysis unexpectedly shows a good concentration for archaeological contexts, despite the poor preservation state. Anyway, an interesting insight of the Jerusalem vegetation is recorded with high values of non-arboreal pollen. Tens of different taxa have been identified, among them, in order of abundance, are Cichorieae followed by Asteroideae and Amaranthaceae. The arboreal flora list is quite rich, although in lower percentages: Quercus ilex type, Olea, Quercus cerris type, and traces of Fraxinus and Pinus were found. Conclusions. The samples chronologically belonging to the quarry previous the Roman phase and the Basilica construction. The high amount of Cichorieae in all samples is the result of selective corrosion and overestimated the herbs. Nonetheless, the herbs assemblage describes an open environment with human disturbance as attested by Urtica and Plantago growing in pasturelands and disturbed areas. The trees list enriches the picture given by the charcoals giving an insight of the surrounding area.