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Health & Science2h 21m ago
A new study using radiocarbon dating of ancient oak trees on Montecristo Island and in the Aspromonte mountains in Italy found that many of the oldest trees became established between about 1400 and 1650.
Montecristo Island, Aspromonte mountains, southern Italy
Who
G. Piovesan, M. Baliva, F. Biondi, J. Palli, G. Quilghini, G. Quarta, A. Siclari, A. Chiarucci, C. H. Cannon & colleagues
What
A new study using radiocarbon dating of ancient oak trees on Montecristo Island and in the Aspromonte mountains in Italy found that many of the oldest trees became established between about 1400 and 1650.
When
Fri, 12 Jun 2026 03:52:53 GMT · 2h 21m ago
Where
Montecristo Island, Aspromonte mountains, southern Italy ·
Why
This period coincides with the centuries following the Black Death and subsequent plague outbreaks that affected Italy, leading researchers to suggest that declining human populations reduced activities like farming and grazing, allowing forests to regenerate.
The Frontline Impact
How this affects you
This research provides insights into how major demographic shifts, such as those caused by historical plagues, can profoundly alter natural landscapes and challenges assumptions about tree aging methods. The findings suggest a regional ecological response to human population decline in medieval Italy.
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