Investigating Plant Micro-Remains Embedded in Dental Calculus of the Phoenician Inhabitants of Motya (Sicily, Italy)

Abstract

Plant records reveal remarkable evidence about past environments and human cultures. Exploiting dental calculus analysis and using a combined approach of microscopy and gas chromatography mass spectrometry, our research outlines dietary ecology and phytomedicinal practices of the ancient community of Motya (Sicily, eight to sixth century BC), one of the most important Phoenician settlements in the Mediterranean basin. Micro-remains suggest use or consumption of Triticeae cereals, and animal-derived sources (e.g., milk and aquatic birds). Markers of grape (or wine), herbs, and rhizomes, endemic of Mediterranean latitudes and the East, provide insight into the subsistence of this colony, in terms of foodstuffs and phytotherapeutic products. The application of resins and wood of Gymnosperms for social and cultural purposes is hypothesized through the identification of Pinaceae secondary metabolites and pollen grains. The information hidden in dental calculus discloses the strong human-plant interaction in Motya’s Phoenician community, in terms of cultural traditions and land use.

Environmental implications and evidence of natural products from dental calculi of a Neolithic–Chalcolithic community (central Italy)

“…For this reason, the identification of such type of microdebris must be based on realistic criteria, also in accordance with the geographical and historical context, providing all possible interpretative scenarios. The detection of trichomes in ancient tartar may disclose other lines of evidence than nutrition, representing a reliable archaeological environmental proof 31 .…”

“…GC–MS approach revealed the presence of organic compounds derived from the matter ingested and/or inhaled by the individuals. However, the potential of the biomolecular approach on dental calculus is still highly challenging and the capacity to trace the origin of some molecules is still difficult, due to the multifactorial dental calculus’s aetiology 31 , 104 .…”

“…Polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids have been rarely identified in archaeological contexts 115 , due to their highly inclination to oxidative alteration 116 . However, dental calculus has shown itself conservative for this type of molecules 31 . The consumption of aquatic organisms cannot be excluded, being rich of PUFAs 114 and considering the proximity of the ancient settlement to the Sacco River.…”

“…The absence of plant micro-residues in laboratory reagents and materials was also monitored. This intensive cleaning regime was applied with the same accuracy already reported in literature 20 , 31 , 122 , 123 .…”

“…Meticulous sterilisation and decontamination procedures were performed following our lab standard methods 31 . Here, laboratory contamination checks were regularly carried out on all workspaces, and supplies.…”