22-30 June 2024
Judit and Sandra recently returned from a Summer School in Pantelleria (Sicilia) hosted at the Isola di Pantelleria Parco Nazionale. The Summer School that was attended by early career researchers was organized by Claudia Speciale from the Institut Català de Paleoecologia Humana i Evolució social (IPHES). Claudia is currently an MSCA-COFUND-R2STAIR 2020 fellow leading a fascinating project called “SIciLian small islands VegetAtion under the effect of the first human colonizers (SILVA)". Throughout the week, participants delved into different methods to investigate human-plant interaction on small islands since the first human colonisation. From anthracology and fossil pollen, to stable isotopes and experimental archaeology.
But the Summer School wasn’t just about archaeobotany. It also provided insights into la Panteschità (or the Pantesco culture), thanks to their incredible host, Nuccia Farina!
Pantelleria, 106 kilometres southwest Sicily and 68 km east of Tunisia, is a volcanic island with a long history starting in the Neolithic (5000 BC). Archaeological remains have been providing interesting information on how the early inhabitants of the islands (Pantescos) adapted and exploited the local resources (and you can find some of the findings at the airport!). Additionally, Pantelleria is home to the historical site of Mursia, one of the best-preserved sites in the entire Mediterranean, consisting of an entire Bronze Age village.
The island is full of surprises. We were very impressed by the Girardino Pantesco (a garden made of dry stone that protects a single tree, usually Citrus sp) the small olive trees, the tuppos and the big Arbutus unedo (strawberry tree o cirerer d’arboç). We also visited Lago di Venere (Venus Lake), a volcanic crater lake known for its turquoise water (likely due to bacterial activity – nature’s way of adding a splash of colour!) which also harbours endemic plant species along its shore. Pantelleria clearly boasts a rich cultural and natural heritage, with diverse ecosystems, historical sites and traditional practices!
During this week we have also crossed path with our colleagues and friends from La Laguna University (Quique and Pili).
Thanks so much to all attendees/organisers. It has been a fantastic experience, and we are looking forward to the next edition!
Authors
Judit Rodrigo, Masters student and technician
Sandra Nogué, Team Leader