In the Empordà plain, palaeoenvironmental analyses were conducted in a sediment record from " Els Estanys" palaeolagoon, located only 3.5 km W of the Emporion-Emporiae site. Radiocarbon results support continuous sedimentation from 1600 cal BC to 600 cal AD, when the paleolagoon was infilled. The core was sampled and processed for pollen, non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs), mineralogy and geochemistry analyses. In addition, further pollen and NPP analyses were performed for the Greek and Roman periods in a sediment record from the Castellò lagoon, located 15km N of Emporion-Emporiae. This allowed tracking landscape changes following the founding of the Greek and Roman colonies in both their immediate hinterland and more distant areas within the coastal plain. Results obtained confirm that Greek and Roman settlement played a remarkable role in the cultural landscape shaping of its hinterland. Coeval to the development of stable Iberian settlement and the founding of the Greek colony of Emporion in the late 6th century cal BC, a major landscape change is documented with long-lasting clearances of oak woodlands, increased cropping activities, the expansion of pasturelands and the grazing exploitation of marshy areas. Roman settlement in the area would accentuate the landscape opening, occupation and management of the coastal hinterland with 1) the removal of littoral oak woodlands in littoral ranges, 2) the expansion of wet pastures and cultivation lands in an increasingly drained floodplain, 3) the introduction of new crops, 4) intensified rural settlement, and 5) the development of new economic activities such as mining and smelting. However, the influence of colonial settlement and landscape management faded away with increased distance to the colonial sites. Indeed, palaeoenvironmental results obtained in the nearby Castellò lagoon stress that agropastoral activities only caused short-lived clearances in the northern part of the Empordà plain, also under the control of the colonies but at a certain distance of the main settlements.
In California, we recovered sedimentary records from two wetlands located close to the Santa Barbara Spanish Mission. However, pollen analyses and radiocarbon dating confirmed the existence of a sedimentary hiatus in the upper part of the cores, compromising the analysis of the historical period. Consequently, alternative research was conducted in California. Pollen and NPP analyses were performed in a sedimentary lake record from Santa Catalina Island covering the historical period. Results obtained were compared to available palaeoenvironmental data along the California coast to assess regional landscape changes related to the Spanish colonization. Palaeoenvironmental data shows that the establishment of the Spanish Missions caused a major landscape change and environmental impact. Introduced livestock grazing activities were instrumental in favouring 1) erosive processes; 2) degrading native salt and brackish marsh vegetation; and 3) promoting the invasion of alien European weeds and plants. Spanish colonists also banned traditional burning of vegetation by native populations, and introduced European crops such as olive trees, cereals or vineyards which currently play a major socio-economic role in the California landscape. The introduction of agrospastoral landscapes focused on Mission lands under direct colonial control and immediate territories, but was not extensive to areas located at a certain distance of the Missions. Despite distinct negative environmental consequences such as loss of native habitats or the expansion of exotic plants, Spanish settlers also contributed to the onset of an agropastoral landscape which not only forms part of the cultural heritage of California but also plays a major socio-economic role for the present-day California society
Scientific results have been disseminated in international peer-reviewed publications, presentations in international congresses, University seminars and courses. ULISSES’ results have also been disseminated to the general public in radio programs and museum’s exhibits.
