Flora of Archaeological Landscape: Case Study of Arslantepe Mound and Its Territory

Karakuş, Şükrü; Tuna, Aysun

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-98187-7_22

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

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“…In the Mediterranean areas, while several studies have addressed the vegetation of archaeological areas, research carried out on archaeological sites in arid or semi-arid environments is limited [6,32,44], despite their relevance and fragility caused by the occurring climatic changes. Notably, the UNESCO World Heritage Site (WHS) of Pasargadae, dating back to the 6th century BC [45,46], is of significant historical importance for its age, and its value since it is the place where the Persian Garden originated.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Vegetation Analysis in the Archaeological Area of Pasargadae WHS (Iran) Enhancing the Naturalistic Value of the Site within the Occurring Environmental Changes

Zangari,

Hosseini,

Caneva

2024

Sustainability

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This study provides pioneering research on the vegetation of archaeological areas in Iran to enhance its naturalistic and bioindication values by selecting the Pasargadae World Heritage Site (WHS). Vegetation surveys were carried out in different homogeneous habitats, analyzing the plant communities through statistical elaboration, syntaxonomic role, mapping, and enhancement of plants with conservation interest. In an ecological approach, the study included an analysis of the recent climate changes and human interventions influencing the water resources. Results revealed seven main vegetation types reflecting ecological gradients shaped by environmental, edaphic, and anthropogenic factors. The syntaxonomic analysis showed a primary subdivision in semi-natural grasslands and synanthropic vegetation. Several key species were identified as bioindicators of multiple factors, such as: Launaea acanthodes, Stipa barbata, Alhagi maurorum, Bellevalia saviczii, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Convolvulus arvensis, and Hordeum murinum. The vegetation map showed how the hilly grassland communities hosted the highest number of species with conservation interest and their need to be better protected. Bio-climatic data, such as the construction of dams and the exploitation for irrigation purposes, pointed to the increasing xeric conditions, which make urging conservation efforts for the site’s historical and naturalistic values. The study underscores the importance of preserving places with high plant diversity for effective site management, and enhances the intricate relationship between vegetation and natural features in the occurring environmental changes.

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