Environmental and Archaeobotanical Studies in Etruscan Archaeology: An Epistemological Overview and Future Considerations of Human–Plant Relationships

Abstract

Abstract This article provides an overview of the epistemological traditions that have downplayed the importance of environmental studies and archaeobotanical analysis in Etruscan archaeology. In particular, we survey and highlight the history of archaeobotanical studies in Etruscan archaeology in the twentieth century to understand better the current deficit of archaeobotanical knowledge in the twenty-first century. While plants provided the majority of calories for prehistoric diets, little has been written about the direct archaeological evidence for plant material at Etruscan sites. Archaeobotanical results from all excavations associated with ancient Etruria are synthesized, prior methodologies are discussed, and best practices are offered for current and future excavations. This article also provides an overview of the wider cultural questions related to landscape, identity, and land management that still remain to be investigated.