Flora of Antiquity

Plant descriptions in ancient botanical treatises are analyzed in collaboration with botanists, and textual data are complemented with laboratory analysis (DNA sequencing) of plant remains, traces of foods, cosmetics, and medicines from archaeological excavations in the Mediterranean and in museums of classical archaeology worldwide.

Peoples of the Mediterranean

Data on the genetics of several ancient Mediterranean populations, found through the analysis of archaeological material, and of modern populations are systematically collected so as to create a database on the health profile, geographic distribution, and possible transformation(s) of Mediterranean peoples.

Plants and Peoples

Researchers in the Institute analyze the relationship between humans and plants in different groups and locations, and at different points of time, to understand the dynamic process of creation of botanical knowledge, and uses of plant resources.