ARBOREA: harmonizing archaeobotanical data from central Italy within a GIS-based digital framework

This contribution presents an integrated strategy to enhance archaeobotanical remains as both scientific evidence and tangible cultural heritage. Focusing on central Italy, the project combines new first-hand analyses on selected sites, systematic harmonization of published macro-remain data (seeds, fruits, wood), standardized digital documentation, and dissemination activities. Within this framework, ARBOREA (ARchaeoBOtanical geoReferenced rEcords of Ancient Italy) was developed as a GIS-based relational infrastructure integrating taxonomic, chronological and spatial information. Interoperable with BRAIN (Botanical Records of Archaeobotany Italian Network), it enables multi-scalar and diachronic analyses while promoting accessibility, reuse and public engagement. The project reframes plant remains as material components of cultural heritage.