EVIDENCE FROM CHARCOAL ANALYSIS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL-CHANGE DURING THE INTERVAL LATE BRONZE-AGE TO ROMAN, AT THE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE OF CASTRODE PENICES, NW PORTUGAL

Vegetation and environmental change from late Bronze Age to the Roman period in north-west Portugal is reconstructed on the basis of charcoa l analyses. The site was occupied by people of the Castrejo culture, i .e. an Iron Age culture that developed in the north-west Iberian penin sula. The pattern of exploitation of natural wood resources by local p opulations during this period appears to be similar during the three p hases of occupation. The frequencies of light-demanding plant species, mostly Leguminosae, testify to considerable destruction and degenerat ion of the climax woodlands. The preference of particular wood for spe cific uses, such as roofing, is discussed and the Holocene history of selected trees within the wider region is considered.