Revealing human impact on natural ecosystems through soil bacterial DNA sampled from an archaeological site

Four centuries of human occupancy at the Roman fort of Hegra (Saudi Arabia) profoundly and durably altered soil chemical and bacterial compositions, with lasting effects even 1500 years after abandonment. Researchers compared soil samples from inside the fort to those from a nearby undisturbed area, revealing distinct bacterial functions associated with past human activity. This study demonstrates that soil microbial communities retain signatures of ancient human influence, offering valuable insights into long-term ecological impacts. The findings also highlight the potential of archaeological soils for large-scale initial surveys, with minimal disruption to the site.

Boivin, S., Bourceret, A., Maurice, K., Laurent‐Webb, L., Figura, T., Bourillon, J., Nespoulous, J., Domergue, O., Chaintreuil, C., Boukcim, H., Selosse, M.-A., Fiema, Z., Botte, E., Nehme, L., & Ducousso, M. (2023). Revealing human impact on natural ecosystems through soil bacterial DNA sampled from an archaeological site. Environmental Microbiology, 26(1). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.16546