Vegetation Change and Human Impact in Archaeological Sites: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Archaeology and palaeoecology lenses explore the interdependence between human cultures and their environment. This review examines how human activities, such as artificial or mandrel modifications, have impacted landscapes and archaeological sites for thousands of years. Fire has been a way for humans to modify the environment since before the Middle Stone Age, making it incredibly common for people to affect vegetation. This process is considered significant. Even so, the Neolithic era and advancements in agriculture led to substantial transformations, including extensive deforestation, altered species distribution patterns, and the formation of highly biodiverse, human-oriented landscapes. Archaeobotanical techniques, including phytolith studies, charcoal analysis, and pollen analysis, are all helpful in understanding historical vegetation dynamics. Archaeological data can be used in multi-proxy studies to distinguish between human-made and natural environmental shifts. LRA is a valuable technique for reconstructing past vegetation using data on pollen levels and the source area. In the review, it is stated that vegetation can offer protection against erosion and extreme weather at archaeological sites while also being capable of damaging buried structures through root systems. To ensure efficient heritage management, it is essential to recognize this phenomenon.