Pollen Analysis of Soil Cores from the Faiyum and Siwa Oases: A Window into Ancient Vegetation and Agriculture.

This study analyzes the pollen content of soil cores retrieved from Kom Ghurab and Gebel al-Mawta, situated within the Faiyum and Siwa Oases, respectively, to reconstruct past vegetation and infer palaeo-environmental conditions. Pollen samples were extracted at stratified depth intervals, from the surface down to 100 cm, enabling the identification of both qualitative and quantitative changes in the pollen assemblages over time. The analyses revealed a diverse array of taxa, with Poaceae, Moraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Plantaginaceae, and Olea-type pollen (Oleaceae) as the most abundant. Additional taxa included Phoenix dactylifera, Cyperaceae, Myrtaceae, and Fabaceae. The sustained dominance of Poaceae, Moraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Olea-type, and Phoenix dactylifera (Palmae) throughout the sediment profiles reflects the persistent presence of grassland and woody elements, as well as strong indications of anthropogenic influence through cultivated species. Statistical evaluation of vertical pollen distribution patterns revealed distinct ecological transitions, which are interpreted in light of regional climatic fluctuations and human land-use practices. These results contribute to a broader understanding of environmental transformations in the Western Desert and underscore the significance of the Faiyum and Siwa Oases as valuable archives for palaeo-ecological research. The integration of archaeopalynological data with regional archaeological context further enhances the interpretation of these landscapes as enduring centers of human occupation and ecological change.