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Hydrological changes during the Roman Climatic Optimum in northern Tuscany (Central Italy) as evidenced by speleothem records and archaeological data
Author(s)
Language
English
Obiettivo Specifico
5A. Ricerche polari e paleoclima
Status
Published
JCR Journal
JCR Journal
Peer review journal
Yes
Title of the book
Issue/vol(year)
6/35 (2020)
ISSN
0267-8179
Publisher
Wiley
Pages (printed)
791-802
Issued date
2020
Subjects
Hydrological changes during the Roman Climatic Optimum
Abstract
Study of the climate in the Mediterranean basin during different historical periods has taken on a
particular importance, particularly regarding its role (together with other factors) in the evolution of human settlement
patterns. Although the Roman age is traditionally considered a period with a favourable climate, recent studies have
revealed considerable complexity in terms of regional climate variations. In this paper, we compare the hydrological
change from speleothem proxy records with flood reconstructions from archaeological sites for Northern Tuscany
(central Italy). We identify a period of oscillating climatic conditions culminating in a multidecadal dry event during
the 1st century BC, followed by a century of increased precipitation at the beginning of the Roman Empire and
subsequently a return to drier conditions in the 2nd century AD. The period of rainfall increase documented by the
speleothems agrees with both the archaeological flood record as well as historical flood data available for the Tiber
River, ca. 300 km to the south. These data also suggest a return to wetter conditions following the 3nd and 4rd
centuries AD.
particular importance, particularly regarding its role (together with other factors) in the evolution of human settlement
patterns. Although the Roman age is traditionally considered a period with a favourable climate, recent studies have
revealed considerable complexity in terms of regional climate variations. In this paper, we compare the hydrological
change from speleothem proxy records with flood reconstructions from archaeological sites for Northern Tuscany
(central Italy). We identify a period of oscillating climatic conditions culminating in a multidecadal dry event during
the 1st century BC, followed by a century of increased precipitation at the beginning of the Roman Empire and
subsequently a return to drier conditions in the 2nd century AD. The period of rainfall increase documented by the
speleothems agrees with both the archaeological flood record as well as historical flood data available for the Tiber
River, ca. 300 km to the south. These data also suggest a return to wetter conditions following the 3nd and 4rd
centuries AD.
Type
article
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2020_Bini_et_al_ Roman Climatic Optimum Renella_JQS.pdf
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