Kelemen Imola (szerk.): A Csíki Székely Múzeum Évkönyve 8. (Csíkszereda, 2012)

Régészet - Tibor-Tamás Daróczi: Environmental Changes During the Holocene in Transylvania

TIBOR-TAMÁS DARÓCZI

maintained a low number, but aquatic plants such as pondweed (Potamogeton gen.), duckweed (Lemna gen.) and fern (Polypodiacea fam.) were more often encountered.40

At the beginning of the Subboreal, a regression of spruce (Picea gen.) and hazel (Corylus gen.) is clearly visible, whereas oak (Quercus gen) and lime (Ţilia gen.) increase in the pollen diagram percentages and a spread of hornbeam (Carpinus gen) is also clearly recognisable (Fig. 2).41 In the middle of the period, beech (Fagus gen.) expanded in northwest Transylvania, and around 4000 BP became the dominant species. In the same period ( — 3500 BP) oak (Quercus gen) re-expanded in this area and in low and mid-altitudes (Fig. 3).42 In the wetlands, Lesser Reedmace (Typha angustifolia) slightly increased its frequency in the pollen spectrum, whereas sedge (Cyperaceae fam), Crowfoot Family (Ranunculaceae fam), rue (Thalictrum gen), umbellifer (Apiaceae fam.) and crucifer (Brassicaceae fam.) show a definite decline.43

In the Subatlantic period, beech (Fagus gen) appeared in the area, much later than in other areas (e.g. southern Transylvania). Fir (Abies gen.) is only documented scarcely in the earlier part of the phase (Fig. 3). In the second part, cereals were regular occurrences in the area.44

In the northern and northeastern part of Transylvania (Map 1 and 2) in the high altitude regions (above 800-1000 m a.s.l.), the Boreal was marked by the presence of grassland species, e.g. Difflugia lanceolata and Amphitrema wrightianum.45

At the beginning of the Atlantic phase, spruce (Picea gen), hazel (Corylus gen) and elm (Ulmus gen.) were the dominant species of the area. Towards the end of the phase, hornbeam (Carpinus gen.) expanded in this area (Fig. 4).46

In the beginning of the Subboreal period, hornbeam (Carpinus gen.) was still high in values although beech (Fagus gen.) was a regular occurrence from this period onward. Towards the middle of the phase, beech (Fagus gen) reached its maximum. Hornbeam (Carpinus gen) and pine (Pinus gen) were still high, while elm (Ulmus gen) and fir (Abies gen.) decreased in numbers (Fig. 4).47

In the beginning of the Subatlantic period, hornbeam (Carpinus gen.) was still high but quite quickly beech (Fagus gen.) reached overwhelming populations of up to 50 %. Spruce (Picea gen.) was still present and the first occurrence of walnut (Juglans gen.) is documented (Fig. 4) in the area.48

Fig. 4. Pollen diagram of the Late Holocene at Poiana Ştiol 4 (Rodnei mountains)

(after TanţăU 2004, fig. 3; TANŢĂU 2006, 84, fig. 17)

40 FeurdEAN, ASTALOŞ 2005, 67; FeurDEAN ET AL. 2007a, 373.

41 BjÖRKMAN ET AL. 2003, 102; FEURDEAN 2005a, 438.

42 FEURDEAN 2004, 38.

43 FEURDEAN ET AL. 2007a, 373.

44 FEURDEAN ETAL. 2001, 136, 138.

45 SCHNITCHEN ET AL. 2006, 10; SCHNITCHEN ET AL. 2003, 47.

46 Tanţău 2004,15.

47 Tanţău 2004,14.

48 Tanţău 2004,14.

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