Palynological investigations in Greece with special reference to pollen as an indicator of human activity

Abstract

(p. 288)

New palynological information from Greece is presented. The information of Holocene lake sediments is used to compare the representation of pollen types with those from modern surface samples and with the pollen types derived from the herb and tree species listed in plant-sociological relevees from (semi-)natural forest. Differences in the qualitative composition of pollen assemblages from these sources are used to trace types that indicate human activity and influence on the vegetation in prehistoric and historical times. The concept of diversity in vegetation is compared with that in pollen assemblages. Some pollen types from trees, herbs or weeds connected with the activity of man are dealt with in particular. It is investigated in how far such pollen types could mark the first farming activities in Greece. Attention is paid to the various demographic events that are thought to have happened in Greece and their (possible) impact upon the environment.