Plant biodiversity and its meaning at the origin of the peopled scrolls friezes: data from the Castrum Minervae sanctuary (Castro- Lecce, Italy)

In ancient times, natural phenomena were considered a powerful tool for the manifestation of deities and of their will. The representation of vegetal and animal elements was a symbol, and it lost its significance only in more recent ages. Peopled scrolls friezes, which greatly influenced Roman art, originated in the Messapian area and is an outstanding sanctuary sacred to Athena, i.e. the Athenaion of Castrum Minervae. This study aims to identify and interpret the symbolic values of the botanical elements characterising the friezes and showing the relations with the sacred place. The analysis of the carved friezes was inspired by the arid landscapes of the Mediterranean area, as shown by the representation of different plant taxa (7). Overall, it suggests the relevant role of Verbascum sinuatum, then Acanthus mollis, which usually characterises the Corinthian capitals and most of the Roman scrolls. The genus Verbascum collects common synanthropic species, and it was probably selected due to the columnar yellow inflorescence and its use as a torch created a symbolic connection with the idea of bringing “light” of the dedicated Goddess Athena in addition to the ethnobotanical and pharmaceutical use. Studying the iconography of botanical species in the historic–cultural context of the Mediterranean area during the IV century B.C., significant relations with the regenerating power of nature emerged, anticipating significance and message that will be key in the later Hellenistic-Alexandrine and Roman cultural framework.