Wood exploitation and food supply at the border of the Roman Empire: the case of thevicusof Thamusida – Sidi Ali ben Ahmed (Morocco)

Archaeological research at the Roman vicus of Thamusida in Morocco reveals that this frontier settlement was self-sufficient in both forestry and agricultural products from the 1st century BC to the 4th century AD. Interdisciplinary analysis, combining archaeobotanical and archaeometric studies, demonstrates sustained exploitation of a nearby Quercus suber (cork oak) forest for timber, fuelwood, cork, and livestock fodder, indicating human influence predating Roman occupation. Charred remains also highlight a diverse diet based on locally grown cereals like barley and naked wheats, pulses such as horse bean and pea, and fruits including olives and grapes. While the settlement relied primarily on local resources, imported goods like oil and wine were transported via amphorae from across the Roman Empire, underscoring its integration into broader trade networks despite its remote location.

Allevato, E., Buonincontri, M. P., Pecci, A., D’Auria, A., Papi, E., Saracino, A., & Di Pasquale, G. (2016). Wood exploitation and food supply at the border of the Roman Empire: the case of thevicusof Thamusida – Sidi Ali ben Ahmed (Morocco). Environmental Archaeology, 22(2), 200–217. https://doi.org/10.1080/14614103.2015.1126685