Tracing the history of a Mediterranean terraced landscape: Interdisciplinary research in the Cinque Terre coastal region (NW Italy)

The terraced landscapes of the Cinque Terre are one of the most important UNESCO heritage sites in Italy and worldwide. Despite their prominence, little is known about the history of these structures. This study aims to unravel the processes behind the formation and transformation of the terraces on the Punta Mesco cape, located at the northwestern edge of the Cinque Terre. By combining archaeological-stratigraphic evidence, pollen and Non-Pollen Palynomorphs (NPPs) analysis, radiocarbon dating, topographical surveys, and historical records, the construction, use, and abandonment phases of these terraces have been identified. The oldest terraces date back to at least the Middle Ages, with possible earlier Roman origins; in general abandonment occurred unevenly over time, definitively ending only in the 20th century. A detailed analysis of one terrace uncovered its construction techniques, including land clearing, dry-stone wall building, and its use for vine cultivation. Additionally, archaeological findings revealed the role of charcoal production, local road systems, and sandstone quarrying in shaping the landscape. This multidisciplinary approach underscores the importance of integrating environmental and archaeological evidence for the preservation and understanding of terraced landscapes, which are threatened by insufficient recognition of their historical and ecological significance.