The unknown archaeobotany: The great “Collezione dei Commestibili e degli Avanzi Organici” of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (southern Italy)

This study aimed to understand the scientific and cultural value of the most important and richest archaeobotanical collection from the Roman period, currently housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN): the Collection of Edibles and Organic Remains (“Collezione dei commestibili e degli avanzi organici”). This collection consists of botanical remains collected from 1750 to 1950 from the archaeological sites of the Vesuvius region that were buried by the eruption of AD 79. The Vesuvian area represents an exceptional case due to the wealth of botanical remains. This study provides a comprehensive description of the collection, focusing on the botanical identity, history, documentation, and conservation status of the remains, as well as offering an initial overview of the specific features of each botanical find. Unfortunately, these materials have been largely neglected; many archaeological and historical data (such as their origin and date of discovery) have been lost, making it difficult to reconstruct the history of these finds. Comparisons with existing literature and historical documentation suggest that a significant portion of this collection has been lost, and there are numerous identification errors due to methodological shortcomings which have resulted in the loss of much plant material and inadequate botanical identification. This paper presents new data regarding plant history, with particular attention paid to plants of food interest, food culture, and Cultural Heritage.