Botanical representations from Villa della Piscina di Centocelle (Rome, Italy) for a reconstruction of ancient Roman gardens

Abstract

Plants remains and phytoiconographic elements are important tools to reconstruct the lost gardens. Archaeobotanical data can give controversial results in areas having great anthropic disturbance, such as in the suburban Villa della Piscina in Centocelle (Rome). Then, we analyzed the plant representations to provide information for the reconstruction of the ancient gardens, studying the fragments of the decorated wall and of the ceiling structures remains that are usually neglected in their size, shape and color. After the identification of the plant species, we collected information on their symbolic value and on their role in the garden. Preliminary data showed the presence of about twenty species, mainly from the Mediterranean area. The symbolic groups presented a slight prevalence of solar and salvific elements. For the garden we identified species used to decorate and border the flowerbeds, but also with productive role. The analysis of these represented naturalistic elements gives support in understanding the historical greenery behind their representation.