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In recent years, ethnoarchaeological studies focusing on herbivore faecal remains within the soils, especially those from goat, sheep and cattle, have shown the importance of their study for identifying socio-economic activities. Thus, an accurate microstratigraphic examination of these deposits can provide us new insights into past land use, site formation processes, activity areas and intensity of use of space, mobility, domestic use of fuel, manuring, and foddering strategies. Mountain landscapes represent a relatively new terrain of investigation for geo-ethnoarchaeology. In this paper, we present a pilot project featuring an applied inter-disciplinary methodology that includes micromorphology, bulk stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N), phytolith, pollen and non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) analyses. These were carried out on samples from three high-mountain (up to 1400 m a.s.l.) pastoral sites located at Monti Sibillini, in the Italian central Apennines. Results show that the presence of anthropic organic-rich deposits, even when poorly preserved, (1) allows for an accurate description of herbivore dung internal characteristics, (2) establishes precise microstratigraphy of anthropogenic deposits and husbandry practices related to intensity of use of space, and (3) gives accurate information about former vegetation and landscape use in the local area. Based on this exploratory ethnoarchaeological approach, we discuss the potential of micro-analyses of archaeological decayed or burnt livestock dung in a small set of samples collected during a initial survey for obtaining insights into the environment and husbandry practices from dung and goat stabling floors in a high-mountain context.

With the aim of addressing the impact of extractive protocols in molecular characterization of ceramic content, sixteen archaeological shards and waterproofing coatings of Roman amphorae were studied to compare the extractive capacities of protocols prevalently mentioned in wine amphorae analysis. A microwave-assisted protocol is developed in order to esterify grape-derivative markers from archaeological pitch and shard. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry is used to highlight the great capacities of a two-step protocol that combines organic extraction with BF3-etherate complex butylation applied on archaeological shards. Instead, simultaneous alkaline fusion and direct-resin acid-catalyzed butylation are favored for the characterization of waterproofing material. The identification of tartaric acid, together with succinic, fumaric pyruvic and syringic acids provide valuable insights on the archaeological grape-derivative content, possibly wine. Diterpenic markers highlighted Pinus pitch and wood tar, originally used to waterproof the amphorae. Since markers are reliable tools in organic residue analyses, protocols exhibiting high extractive capacities are favored to avoid false conclusions drawn through the absence of markers.

We hereby investigate the pitch used for coating three Roman amphorae from San Felice Circeo (Italy) through a multidisciplinary study. The identification of molecular biomarkers by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry is combined with archaeobotanical evidence of pollen and plant tissues of Vitis flowers. Diterpenic chemical markers together with Pinus pollen and wood revealed Pinaceae tar coating. Aporate 3-zonocolpate pollen, identified as Vitis, together with tartaric, malic and pyruvic acids elucidate the grape-fermented nature of the content. Our conclusions open new consideration on the use of grape derivatives that cannot be supported by traditional analytical methods. Based on the finds of aporate Vitis pollen, found also in local modern and Middle Pleistocene samples, we hypothesize the use of autochthonous vines. The presence of a medicinal wine (historically reported as oenanthium) is also considered. We interrogate Vitis pollen capacity to target grapevine domestication, thereby providing innovative tools to understand such an important process. We anticipate our study to encourage a more systematic multidisciplinary approach regarding the analyses of wine amphorae.

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